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Cardiff to London train ticket prices
€60.51
On Wed 25 Feb
Cardiff to London train timetable
Journey from Cardiff to London on the fastest train in 1h 49m, usually 1h 54m. Every day, 34 trains leave from Cardiff, starting at 05:07 and ending at 23:30. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:07 Cardiff Central | 2h 9m, Direct | 07:16 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:54 Cardiff Central | 1h 50m, Direct | 07:44 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:24 Cardiff Central | 1h 52m, Direct | 08:16 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:28 Cardiff Central | 3h 58m, 2 change | 10:26 Vauxhall | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:51 Cardiff Central | 2h, Direct | 08:51 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.
Direct train route from Cardiff to London
When travelling from Cardiff to London, check the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. The average journey time is 1h 49m, covering 131 miles (210km). There are 34 trains available each day, from the first departure at 05:07 to the last at 23:30.
Departing from Cardiff Central
The quickest train from Cardiff to London departs from Cardiff Central, located in the city centre. Cardiff Central is a major rail hub, connecting destinations across Wales and the UK. It serves as a key interchange for the Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes and is accessible by bus, taxi, or car.
Primary operators at Cardiff Central include Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry, linking cities such as Swansea, Newport, Bangor, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Newcastle.
Main stops
Stops on this route typically include Newport(South Wales), Bristol Parkway, Swindon(Wilts), and Reading, but may vary by time and operator.
Arriving at London Paddington
The fastest train from Cardiff to London arrives at London Paddington, a major railway and Underground station at Praed Street, Paddington, London W2 1HQ. Key operators include Great Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express.
This station is a crucial transport hub, offering services to Heathrow Airport and destinations in the west of England and Wales, such as Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, and Oxford.
London Paddington connects directly to the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines. Nearby attractions include The Savoy, the London Eye, The Regent’s Park, and the Royal Albert Hall.
GWR trains from Cardiff to London
Great Western Railway trains from Cardiff Central to London Paddington take around 1 hour and 49 minutes. The journey offers breathtaking views of South Wales' rolling hills, the scenic Cotswolds countryside, and the delightful outskirts of London.
Great Western Railway, an iconic British railway, connects London to cities like Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter. For over 180 years, GWR has been celebrated for its exceptional service, reliability, and passenger comfort. Experience seamless travel across South West England and Wales with GWR.
Great Western Railway Standard Class
In Standard Class on the GWR, passengers benefit from family-sized tables, power sockets, and plenty of space for luggage.
Great Western Railway First Class
GWR offers free refreshments, improved Wi-Fi, and power socket-equipped tables at your spacious seat.
Travel with Great Western Railway
We deliver essential travel info, such as baggage limits, bike policies, travelling with children and pets, and assistance services.
- Luggage: You can bring three pieces of luggage, but items larger than 30 x 70 x 90 cm are prohibited.
- Bicycles: Folding bikes with wheels up to 20 inches are allowed. E-scooters are not permitted anywhere on board.
- Children: Children under 5 travel free on most journeys, ages 5-15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds use the 16-17 Saver for 50% off.
- Pets: Each customer may bring up to two small pets, such as dogs or cats, at no extra charge.
- Passenger Assist: Services for passengers with special needs include assistance, help boarding, reserving wheelchair spaces, detailed rail info, and pet assistance.
Cardiff to London train travel guide
The train journey from Cardiff to London combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can get to London in just 1h 49m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Cardiff to London?
Ticket prices from Cardiff to London average around €60.51, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Cardiff to London?
The fastest train journey time from Cardiff to London 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 to London?
No, there are no direct trains from Cardiff to London. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Cardiff to London?
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?
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
Are Cardiff to London trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Cardiff to London 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 to London 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Cardiff to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Cardiff to London 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?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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 to London route?
The train from Cardiff to London is operated by Great Western Railway. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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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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