Compensation and refunds
Trainpal is here to assist with travel changes, ticket refunds, and Delay Repay requests.
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Changes and Refunds
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Cardiff to London train ticket prices
Travelling from Cardiff to London by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as €66.18*, with average fares of €34.89. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets 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.
Average
€34.89
From 06 Dec to 12 Dec
Cheapest
€66.18
On Mon 08 Dec
Cardiff to London train times
From Cardiff to London, take the fastest train in 1 hour 50 minutes, typically 1 hour 55 minutes. Daily, 30 trains depart from Cardiff, with the first at 05:14 and the last at 22:47. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:20 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 54 minutes, Direct | 17:14 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:30 Cardiff Central | 2 hours 35 minutes, 1 change | 18:05 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:23 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 50 minutes, Direct | 18:13 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:27 Cardiff Central | 2 hours 38 minutes, 1 change | 19:05 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:18 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 54 minutes, Direct | 19:12 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Cardiff to London Train journey information
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.
First train
05:14
Last train
22:47
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 50 minutes
Distance
131 miles (210km)
Price
From €66.18
Train operators
Direct train route from Cardiff to London
When travelling from Cardiff to London, check the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. The average journey time is 1 hour 50 minutes, covering 131 miles (210km). There are 30 trains available each day, from the first departure at 05:14 to the last at 22:47.
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
Taking the train from Cardiff to London is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can arrive at London in just 1 hour 50 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Cardiff to London train tickets?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to London by train?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Cardiff to London train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to London by train?
The fastest train journey time from Cardiff to London is 1 hour 50 minutes . 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.
4. Are there direct trains from Cardiff to London?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Cardiff to London. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.
2. 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.
3. 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
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Cardiff to London
Family & Friends Railcard
€23.26
With Family & Friends Railcard
€34.89
Without
How to buy cheap Cardiff to London train tickets
Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
More train routes
* 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.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
New user welcome pack