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Cardiff to London train ticket prices
€52.98
On Fri 29 May
Cardiff to London train timetable
Travelling from Cardiff to London, the fastest train takes 2h 41m with an average travel time of 2h 58m. With 43 daily trains, the first departs at 04:25 and the last at 23:34. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:25 Cardiff Central | 2h 51m, 1 change | 07:16 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:07 Cardiff Central | 3h 2m, Direct | 08:09 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:53 Cardiff Central | 2h 58m, 2 change | 08:51 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:10 Cardiff Central | 2h 41m, 2 change | 08:51 London Paddington | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
06:24 Cardiff Central | 2h 41m, Direct | 09:05 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Cardiff to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cardiff to London 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 trains from Cardiff to London
How much luggage does Great Western Railway allow?
What are Standard Class carriages like on Great Western Railway trains?
Seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration, and you can easily find a free space thanks to the reservation screens. Stay charged and browse the net with power sockets and free WiFi access. You also have the option of travelling in a quiet coach (usually Coach A) if you want to read a book, nap or enjoy a calmer environment.
Should I upgrade to Great Western Railway First Class?
When is the last Cardiff to London train?
The last direct service from Cardiff Central to London Paddington departs at 21:20 on weekdays, 20:22 on Saturdays and 21:20 on Sundays.
Train travel from Cardiff to London
GWR’s reliable rail services offer environmentally friendly travel twice an hour. Uncover the secrets to making your trip as seamless as possible.
Departure from Cardiff Central
Reach Cardiff Central from all corners of the coastal city. It’s easily walkable without bulky luggage. If you need to take public transport, many Cardiff Bus routes stop at the adjacent Cardiff Bus Interchange.
- Finding your platform: Longer-distance routes, including the Cardiff to London train, tend to stop at platforms 0–4. Allow five minutes to walk through the subway or use the lifts to access the right platform.
- An array of refreshments: While we could stare at the magnificent Art Deco details in the entrance hall all day, taking a coffee break before the train departs is also a great idea. Pay a visit to Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret or Upper Crust for quality drinks, sandwiches and fresh pastries.
On board trains from Cardiff to London
Benefit from magnificent views and catering - all without having to move from your seat.
- View alert: Don’t miss the stunning scenery on your way from Cardiff Central to London Paddington. Must-see highlights include crossing the River Severn and zooming past lush green hills and charming countryside landscapes. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
- Trolley service: Friendly GWR staff will serve snacks, sandwiches and drinks at your seat (free in First Class). A range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options is available.
Arriving at London Paddington
When you step off the Cardiff to London train, you’re a stone’s throw from a canalside haven on the corner of central London. For help navigating the station’s exits and transport links, look no further.
- Which exit? Use the Praed Street exit for local buses, hotels and St Mary’s Hospital. For step-free access, the exit by platform 1 leads to Eastbourne Terrace. The northern Paddington Basin and Bishops Bridge Road exit on the upper level is accessible via stairs/ramps from the platforms. Head this way for the Regent’s Canal and Little Venice.
- First Class lounge: Keep the free refreshments flowing at GWR’s First Class lounge on platform 1. You’ll also find charging points, Queen Victoria’s former waiting room and showers to freshen up.
- Getting around London: Paddington has two London Underground stations. For the Bakerloo, Circle and District lines, enter the station near platform 5. The other station, running eastbound Circle line and Hammersmith & City line trains, is on the upper level via the Paddington Basin and Bishops Bridge Road exit. You can also get a taxi from this level. All exits have local buses stopping nearby. For the Elizabeth line, go towards platform 1 and follow the signage.
Cardiff to London train travel guide
Travelling by train from Cardiff to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can reach London in just 2h 41m, 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 to London?
The average fare from Cardiff to London is approximately €52.98, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Cardiff to London?
What is the fastest train from Cardiff to London?
The fastest train journey time from Cardiff to London is 2h 41m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff to London?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Cardiff to London. 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 to London?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Cardiff to London train timetables?
Cardiff to London trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff to London 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Cardiff to London route?
The route from Cardiff to London is operated by CrossCountry. 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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 to London train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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