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Cardiff Central to Watford Junction train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
£50.04
On Fri 30
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction on the fastest train in 2h 59m, usually 3h 6m. Each day, 10 trains leave from Cardiff Central, starting at 05:07 and ending at 08:38. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:54 Cardiff Central | 2h 59m, 1 change | 18:53 Watford Junction | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:21 Cardiff Central | 3h 2m, 2 change | 19:23 Watford Junction | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:21 Cardiff Central | 3h 8m, 1 change | 19:29 Watford Junction | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:50 Cardiff Central | 2h 52m, 1 change | 19:42 Watford Junction | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:18 Cardiff Central | 3h 13m, 1 change | 20:31 Watford Junction | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction
- Great Western Railway
- LNR & WMR
- Southern
Great Western Railway (GWR) serves the West of England and South Wales from its central hub at London Paddington. In addition to intercity, commuter and regional services, it also offers one of the UK’s two sleeper services, the Night Riviera. The Pullman Dining car brings a must-try culinary experience to GWR’s First Class experience for a truly unique train ride.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Commuter times and weekend trains can be quite overcrowded on GWR trains (especially on trains to/from London Paddington), mainly due to the fact they tend to opt for 5-carriage trains instead of 9. I’d recommend booking a seat if travelling at these times to save you battling for one. "
"The Pullman Dining experience really is something everyone should try at least once. You can opt for 2 or 3 course meals prepared by chefs Monday–Friday with produce sourced from regions across GWR’s network. First Class passengers can book 2 weeks in advance (not included in the ticket), and Standard passengers can enquire with staff about availability on the day."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Address:
Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1EP, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Cardiff Bus Interchange is right by the station on Central Square and has 14 bus stands. Destinations include Llandaff, Penarth and Rhiwbina.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Cabs can pick you up and drop you off at the main taxi rank on Saunders Road off Central Square.
Platforms:
Eight platforms, numbered 0-4 and 6-8. Access to platform 0 is near M&S, whereas the other platforms can be reached from the two subways. Longer-distance regional and national services operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), Great Western Railway (GWR) and Cross Country tend to use platforms 0-4. Platforms 6-8 handle Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes serving the north of the city, the Valleys and the Vale of Glamorgan.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"On event days, the station gets extremely busy, and queue management systems are put in place. The regular routes through the main ticket barriers and subway can be cordoned off, meaning passengers may need to follow temporary one-way systems to move around the station or reach platform 1. Allow extra time and check local station staff directions on the day."
FAQs about Cardiff Central Station
When does Cardiff Central open?
Cardiff Central station opens at 04:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 07:00 on Sundays.
How far is Principality Stadium from Cardiff Central station?
Principality Stadium is only five minutes away from Cardiff Central on foot.
Does Cardiff Central station have luggage storage?
No, there are no lockers or left luggage facilities at Cardiff Central station.
What shops are at Cardiff Central station?
Outlets at Cardiff Central station include M&S, Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen and Costa.
Where are the toilets at Cardiff Central station?
Platforms 1-7 have male and female toilets (except platforms 6 and 7, which only have male toilets). Accessible toilets are located by the south entrance and in the eastern subway (RADAR key required).
Arriving at Watford Junction
Address:
Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Multiple local bus routes serve Watford Junction from stops on Station Road directly outside the main entrance, with frequent connections to Watford town centre and surrounding areas.
Taxi: There is a licensed taxi rank located outside the main station entrance on Station Road.
Car: A Saba-operated station car park is available at Watford Junction, with both short- and long-stay options.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (20 minutes by shuttle bus from the station)
Watford town centre (10-minute walk)
St. Albans city centre (approximately 20 minutes by Abbey Line train)
Cassiobury Park (15-minute walk or short bus ride)
Watford FC and Vicarage Road (15-minute walk)
Airport Transfers:
For Birmingham Airport, take an Avanti West Coast service to Birmingham International, with the airport terminal directly connected to the station via a free air-rail link. The fastest services are around 1 hour 5 minutes.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Watford Junction is the departure point for the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle bus – it runs regularly from right outside the station and gets you to the Harry Potter studios in around 15 minutes. For dinner before or after your train, St. Albans Road is just a short walk from the station and has an excellent selection of independent restaurants, including Calcutta Crravings for some great Indian food and Nana’s for Lebanese. Or if you fancy a drink, there are a couple of good pubs on Woodford Road, just a short walk from the station."
FAQs: Watford Junction Station
Is Watford Junction still in London?
Watford Junction is on the edge of the capital, around 17 miles from central London. It still lies, however, within the TfL fare zone network and has fast rail connections to London Euston in as little as 23 minutes, making it a popular commuter station.
Where do trains from Watford Junction go to?
Watford Junction is served by London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast, with services to London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow on the West Coast Main Line. Local services also run to St Albans on the Abbey Line branch and to East Croydon.
Can I get the Tube to Watford Junction?
No Tube line serves Watford Junction directly. The nearest London Underground station is Watford, served by the Metropolitan line, which is a separate station around 10 minutes away by bus or taxi.
How do I get a train from Watford Junction to central London?
The fastest option is a London Northwestern Railway Express service to London Euston, taking as little as 17 minutes. The Overground Lioness line also runs to Euston, and takes up to 53 minutes, stopping at more stations along the way.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction
Apply for Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Southern Delay Repay
Southern operates Delay Repay 15, meaning eligible passengers can claim compensation when they arrive at their destination at least 15 minutes later than scheduled.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket price or 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket price or 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket price or 50% of a return ticket price
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single ticket price or 100% of a return ticket price
FAQ
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How much is a train from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
Tickets from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction typically cost £78.57, but can be as cheap as £50.04 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 6m, though it can be as quick as 2h 59m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
There is no direct service between Cardiff Central and Watford Junction. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
You can typically book tickets from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cardiff Central to Watford Junction trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Cardiff Central from Watford Junction?
The distance between Cardiff Central and Watford Junction is approximately 120 miles (193km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
There is 10 train running from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Cardiff Central to Watford Junction?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
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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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