Porthcawl
Porthcawl
Ely
Ely
Train

Porthcawl to Ely

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Porthcawl to Ely takes you from the Welsh coast to the historic cathedral city in Cambridgeshire. You will typically travel via Bridgend, Cardiff, London Paddington, and then across to London King's Cross for the connection to Ely. The total travel time is approximately 5 hours. You will experience the transition from the Welsh valleys to the flat, historic landscapes of the Fens.

Total Distance: 330 km driving distance; 270 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via the M4 and A1(M), taking about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Cheapest Way
Advance train tickets booked via the Trainline app.
Compare Porthcawl to Ely Routes
Train
Connecting
Duration
5 hours
Avg Price
70-130 GBP
Operator
GWR and LNER
Route
Bridgend to Cardiff, then to London, then Ely.

You will need to cross London between Paddington and King's Cross.

Travel Tips
  • Station Location
    Ely station is a short walk from the city centre.
  • Walking
    The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.
  • Booking
    Book your train tickets in advance to save money.
  • Food
    Try the local cafes and restaurants in the city centre.
  • Maps
    Download an offline map of Ely.
Safety Tips
  • Nightlife
    The city centre is busy at night; stay with your group.
  • Station Safety
    Ely station is well-lit and safe.
  • Emergency
    Dial 999 for any urgent assistance.
  • Public Transport
    The local bus network is safe and reliable.
People Also Ask
  • Is Ely far from Porthcawl?
    It is a long journey across the UK.
  • Are there direct trains?
    No, you must change at least twice.
  • What is the best way to travel?
    Train is the most comfortable option.
  • Is Ely safe?
    Yes, it is a friendly and generally safe city.
  • How do I get to the Cathedral?
    It is a short walk from the station.
Quick Info
  • From Porthcawl, Wales, United Kingdom
  • To Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

May to September for pleasant weather to explore the cathedral and nearby attractions.

Things to Do in Ely
1
Ely Cathedral
Visit this stunning cathedral, known as the 'Ship of the Fens'.
2
Oliver Cromwell's House
Explore the historic home of the famous leader.
3
Ely Museum
Learn about the local history of Ely.
4
Riverside
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the River Great Ouse.
Tags
Porthcawl to Ely train travel to Ely from Wales train to Ely station Porthcawl transport Ely tourism UK rail travel Wales to Cambridgeshire best way to Ely