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Cardiff Central to London Paddington train ticket prices

Travelling from Cardiff Central to London Paddington by train? Find fares from as low as €56.94. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

€56.94󰄽

On Tue 19 May

  • Tue19 May
  • €56.94󰄽
    Wed20 May
  • €56.94󰄽
    Thu21 May
  • €61.78󰄽
    Fri22 May
  • €60.57󰄽
    Sat23 May
  • €71.47󰄽
    Sun24 May
  • €63.96󰄽
    Mon25 May

Cardiff Central to London Paddington train timetable

Journey from Cardiff Central to London Paddington on the fastest train in 1h 47m, usually 1h 54m. Every day, 34 trains leave from Cardiff Central, starting at 05:07 and ending at 23:34. 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.

DepartsArrivesOperator

12:18

Cardiff Central
1h 54m, Direct

14:12

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
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12:50

Cardiff Central
1h 54m, Direct

14:44

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
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13:18

Cardiff Central
1h 54m, Direct

15:12

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
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13:50

Cardiff Central
1h 54m, Direct

15:44

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
Find tickets

14:18

Cardiff Central
1h 51m, Direct

16:09

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
Find tickets
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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.

Price
From €56.94
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
129 miles (208km)
Journey time
1h 47m
First train
05:07
Last train
23:34
Frequency
34

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

The train journey from Cardiff Central to London Paddington combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cardiff Central, you can get to London Paddington in just 1h 47m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

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 €56.94, 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?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Cardiff Central to London Paddington.

What is the fastest train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington?

The quickest train journey from Cardiff Central to London Paddington takes 1h 47m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.

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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Cardiff Central to London Paddington train timetables?

While Cardiff Central to London Paddington trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Cardiff Central to London Paddington is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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 Cardiff Central to London Paddington route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

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

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

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 Cardiff Central to London Paddington route is operated by Great Western Railway. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • 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.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • Pets

    You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap Cardiff Central to London Paddington train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.