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Cardiff Central to London Paddington train ticket prices
€55.47
On Thu 19 Feb
Cardiff Central to London Paddington train timetable
Journey from Cardiff Central to London Paddington on the fastest train in 1h 49m, usually 1h 54m. Every day, 18 trains leave from Cardiff Central, starting at 09:00 and ending at 23:11. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:00 Cardiff Central | 1h 50m, Direct | 10:50 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:35 Cardiff Central | 2h 6m, Direct | 11:41 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:20 Cardiff Central | 1h 50m, Direct | 12:10 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:20 Cardiff Central | 1h 49m, Direct | 13:09 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:20 Cardiff Central | 1h 49m, Direct | 14:09 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Cardiff Central to London Paddington train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cardiff Central to London Paddington with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Great Western Railway: Cardiff Central to London Paddington trains
It takes approximately one hour and fifty minutes to get from Cardiff Central to London Paddington with Great Western Railway (GWR). On your journey, you'll head east, across Wales and England, towards Greater London before arriving at one of London's most well-known railway stations.
Great Western Railway offers services that run across the West of England and South Wales, serving destinations like Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, and Newport, along with inter-city trains to London Paddington and the wider Thames Valley region.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central is an extremely accessible station to reach. Located on Central Square right in the city centre, the station is flanked by Cardiff Bus Station and local taxis can drop you off on Saunders Road, too, which is just off Central Square. Meaning you can get there from anywhere in Cardiff or the surrounding areas quickly and conveniently.
The station itself has three leading train operators, these are: Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and CrossCountry, which serve routes around Wales and into England.
Main stops
There are four main stops from Cardiff Central to London Paddington when travelling with GWR. These are: Newport, Bristol Parkway, Swindon, and Reading. These stations may change due to scheduling alterations, adverse weather conditions, engineering works, or a variety of other unforeseen circumstances. So, it's best to double-check before you travel, just in case.
If you want to buy cheap train tickets, then check out TrainPal, your go-to platform to search and book the most affordable fares. Don't forget to add a Railcard to bag yourself an extra discount.
Arriving at London Paddington
The train from Cardiff Central arrives at London Paddington, one of the city's most iconic train stations and was made famous by its eponymously named bear - Paddington Bear, whose name comes from the name of this station. This station, served by GWR, the Elizabeth Line, and the Heathrow Express, is located between Notting Hill and Marylebone. It is a key station on the UK's rail network, serving as the terminus of the Great Western Mainline. This line connects Cardiff Central and London Paddington, as well as other destinations such as Bristol and Swansea.
It's also well-connected to public transport, helping you explore London more quickly or get to your final destination faster. London Paddington Station has a dedicated tube station that serves the Circle, District, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as local buses and taxis near the station's main entrance.
Arriving at London Paddington Station puts you in a great place for a stroll, as it's only a few minutes from Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, and then only a few minutes further to Buckingham Palace and its adjacent park, Green Park. It's also close to the Royal Albert Hall if you're visiting for a concert, or the Natural History Museum if you'd like to know more about nature. Portobello Road Market and The Sherlock Holmes Museum are close by, too.
Great Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive dining options. It also offers access to First Class lounges at London Paddington station.
Great Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag. Under-seat and overhead storage provide generous space for cabin-sized carry-ons, laptop bags, and handbags.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space.
- Children: Children under the age of 5 can travel without charge, while those between 5 and 15 years old get a 50% discount on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard provides up to a one-third reduction on family ticket prices.
- Passenger Assist: Helps with journey planning, ticketing, seat and wheelchair space booking, boarding and alighting with ramps, station navigation, and luggage handling. Booking in advance is recommended for a seamless experience.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Cardiff Central to London Paddington train travel guide
Travelling by train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Cardiff Central, you can reach London Paddington in just 1h 49m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington?
The average ticket fare from Cardiff Central to London Paddington is about €55.47, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Cardiff Central to London Paddington by train?
What is the fastest train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington?
The fastest train journey time from Cardiff Central to London Paddington is 1h 49m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff Central to London Paddington?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Cardiff Central to London Paddington. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Cardiff Central to London Paddington train timetables?
Cardiff Central to London Paddington trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Cardiff Central to London Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff Central to London Paddington are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Cardiff Central to London Paddington route?
The route from Cardiff Central to London Paddington is operated by Great Western Railway. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Cardiff Central to London Paddington train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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