Travel to Cardiff options

[Ukvisitor77]

I am thinking about going to Cardiff either from London or Reading for a day next weekend (probably Sunday), what would be the most economical fare and most scenic route? Thanks

 

[30907]

The main route is via Badminton and the Severn Tunnel.
There is an alternative via Gloucester which is slower (at least one change) but more scenic, and you could consider using this in one direction.
There is also a route via Bath changing at Bristol, in-between both for journey time and scenery.

The Super Offpeak Return (just under £64 from Reading and £75 from Paddington, valid any train Sunday) can be used on all 3 routes on any train and doesn't need to be booked in advance. At this short notice there aren't many Advance fares (specific train only) and the saving isn't much.

Check times and fares at http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search

It is sometimes possible to save money on this route by splitting tickets, but your trains would have to call at the split point (eg Didcot) in both directions.
See https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/main.aspx

 

[Starmill]

You could try a London Terminals to Bristol Parkway Off-Peak Day Return routed via Warminster and Salisbury for just under £35, plus a return from there to Cardiff. Cheaper but far slower. However I do quite like the scenery for my part.

 

[Master29]

The main route is via Badminton and the Severn Tunnel.
There is an alternative via Gloucester which is slower (at least one change) but more scenic, and you could consider using this in one direction.
There is also a route via Bath changing at Bristol, in-between both for journey time and scenery.

The Super Offpeak Return (just under £64 from Reading and £75 from Paddington, valid any train Sunday) can be used on all 3 routes on any train and doesn't need to be booked in advance. At this short notice there aren't many Advance fares (specific train only) and the saving isn't much.

Check times and fares at http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search



It is sometimes possible to save money on this route by splitting tickets, but your trains would have to call at the split point (eg Didcot) in both directions.
See https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/main.aspx

Via Badminton, surely that`s a predictive text error. What`s wrong with Paddington or Reading direct to Cardiff? As you say trainsplit.com a good option too

 

[30907]

Via Badminton, surely that`s a predictive text error. What`s wrong with Paddington or Reading direct to Cardiff? As you say trainsplit.com a good option too

No error (and I can't work out what it might have corrected from).
Direct to Cardiff is via Badminton (the cut-off line opened by the GWR in 1903 and still known by that name) and the Severn Tunnel, in contrast to the indirect routes. You don't stop at either.
I thought the OP might like some idea of the route so s/he could check on a (Google) map.