Which train booking app is the cheapest in the UK?

In our test of 22 routes, Choo Choo offered the best or joint-best price on 68% of journeys, with 7 outright wins with the second best only having 3 outright wins. Click here to see the test.

Does Choo Choo charge booking fees?

We don't charge a booking fee. We do however apply a 15% split saving share, which only applies when we've actually found you a saving, so you're never paying more than you should.

What is Split Ticketing?

Split ticketing means buying two or more tickets for the same journey at separate fare points. It’s legal and can reduce the total price significantly. See the National Rails explanation here.

When can I claim delay compensation?

You’re usually entitled to compensation if your train arrives 15–30 minutes late but it varies by operator. This is why Choo Choo automatically alerts you when you’re eligible, so you never miss a refund.

Is Choo Choo a legitimate UK train booking app?

Yes. Choo Choo is National Rail accredited and processes tickets through the same national systems as all major UK ticketing retailers.

Cheap train tickets to Cardiff Central

Ticket Office Hours

05:40 - 21:30 Monday - Saturday

07:30 - 21:30 Sunday

Parking

Up to 1034 parking spaces available

Up to 10 accessible parking spaces

Pick Up & Drop Off

Drop-off / Pick-up point not available

Attention

Various toilets are out of order at Cardiff Central station.

Attention

Cardiff Central Car Park Closures

The car parks will be closed on the following dates:Penarth Road:Closed until 30 March Riverside: 20:00 27 March - 04:00 29 MarchPlease use Cardiff Central Quay Station (multi-storey car park off Penarth Rd) for parking, pick up, and drop off during this time.Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Attention

Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina

Due to the Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina game in Cardiff on Thursday 26 March, services in the area may be busier than usual.We'll be running an additional service at 23:00 from Cardiff Central to Holyhead to get you home after the game.For more information, visit tfw.wales/places/events/wales-internationals

Attention

Bristol Bears v Harlequins

Due to the Bristol Bears v Harlequins rugby game on 28 March, services in and out of Cardiff will busier than usual. A queueing system will be in place at Cardiff Central after the match. If you're travelling to Cardiff, Valleys, or Vale of Glamorgan stations, you will need to join the queue at Cardiff Queen Street instead.

Attention

Bristol Bears v Harlequins Taxi Rank

Due to the Bristol Bears v Harlequins rugby game, Saunders Road taxi rank will close between 10:45 - 23:59 on Saturday 28 March.

Attention

Due to the Wales game in Cardiff on Tuesday 31 March, services in the area may be busier than usual.We'll be running an additional service at 23:00 from Cardiff Central to Holyhead to get you home after the game.For more information, visit tfw.wales/places/events/wales-internationals

No Booking Fees, Ever

Book your train tickets with zero extra charges-what you see is what you pay.

Split Ticket Savings

We automatically find and book split tickets to get you the cheapest possible fare on every journey.

Delay Compensation Alerts

Get notified when you’re eligible for delay compensation, see exactly how much you can claim, and go straight to the claim page.

Real-Time Travel Updates

Stay informed with instant alerts on train delays, cancellations, platform changes and rail strikes.

E-Ticket in Your Wallet

Buy e-tickets in seconds and add them directly to your phone’s wallet for a seamless travel experience.

Personalize Travel, Your Way

Save your favourite routes, add Railcards, and customise travel preferences for a smoother, smarter journey.

Trains to Cardiff Central Station Details Ticket Office Accessibility Additional Info FAQ

Cardiff Central Railway Station

Cardiff Central Railway Station is the largest and busiest station in Wales and the main rail hub serving the capital city of Cardiff. Located in the heart of the city, the station handles millions of passengers every year and provides major connections across Wales and the wider UK rail network.

Direct train services run to destinations including London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Swansea and Newport. The station is served by Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and CrossCountry, offering a combination of long-distance routes and frequent regional services throughout Wales and England.

How to get to Cardiff Central Railway Station

Bus: Numerous local and regional bus services stop close to the station
Cycling: Cycle parking facilities are available at the station
Parking: A station car park is available nearby with spaces for both short and long-stay parking
Taxi: Taxi ranks are located outside the station entrance

Looking to book your journey? Get cheap train tickets with Choo Choo. Download the app or search for tickets on the website.

Address
Cardiff Central Station, Central Square, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 1EP
Phone Number-
Parking Capacity
Up to 1034 parking spaces available
Pick Up & Drop-off point No

Ticket Machine Yes
Staff help Yes

Staff help Yes
Step-free access coverage Yes
Step-free access notes
A, Compliant step-free access to all platform(s)
Ramps for train access No
Wheelchairs Yes
Induction Loop
Induction loops are at designated listening areas

Food & Drink Yes
WiFi Yes
Toilets Yes
Showers No
Baby changing Yes
Shops Yes
ATM Yes
Cycle storage / Spaces
Yes / 102 Spaces
Sheltered cycle storage Yes
Bus Yes
Customer Services Yes
First Class Lounge Yes
Luggage Storage No
Lost & Found Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Delay Repay & Compensation

If your journey was delayed, you may be entitled to compensation. Choo Choo makes it easy to track your eligibility and process your claim.

When Can You Claim Compensation

DR15 (Delay Repay 15)

Compensation starts at 15 minutes delay

15 - 29 min → 25% refund
30 - 59 min → 50% refund
60+ min → 100% refund (for that leg)
120+ minutes → 100% Refund (for both legs)

DR30 (Delay Repay 30)

Compensation starts only at 30 minutes delay

30 - 59 min → 50% refund
60+ min → 100% refund
120+ minutes → 100% Refund (for both legs)

Missed Connection

If a delay made you miss a connection, you can claim for:

The full journey
Or the unused portion

Downgrade or No Reserved Seat

If you paid for First Class but sat in Standard, or
Had no reserved seat despite paying
You may claim a partial refund

Train Cancellation

Full refund if you didn't travel
Partial refund or Delay Repay if you travelled on a different train with a delay

Alternative Transport Costs

If you had to use a taxi or bus due to cancellation or disruption → You may claim a refund with a receipt by contacting the Train Operating Company at fault.

Most popular train routes in England

From the beautiful rolling hills of The Cotswolds to the sandy beaches of Cornwall, to the bustling cities full of must-see attractions and fantastic culinary delights, England has some truly unmissable destinations, and we’re here to bring you all of them in one handy place. Explore, be inspired, and travel greener by train!

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