Compensation and refunds
Starting a smooth journey can sometimes be challenging, but Trainpal is here to help!
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
For a train from Cardiff to London, Advance Tickets start at just £45.10*, with average fares around £29.00. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average
£29.00
From 22 Dec to 28 Dec
Cheapest
£45.10
On Tue 23 Dec
Cardiff to London train times
From Cardiff to London, take the fastest train in 1 hour 49 minutes, typically 1 hour 55 minutes. Daily, 36 trains depart from Cardiff, with the first at 05:07 and the last at 23:30. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:20 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 50 minutes, Direct | 19:10 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:20 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 49 minutes, Direct | 20:09 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:25 Cardiff Central | 2 hours 44 minutes, 1 change | 21:09 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:20 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 54 minutes, Direct | 21:14 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:20 Cardiff Central | 1 hour 54 minutes, Direct | 22:14 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
05:07
Last train
23:30
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 49 minutes
Distance
131 miles (210km)
Price
From £45.10
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 49 minutes, covering 131 miles (210km). There are 36 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
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 1 hour 49 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to London?
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?
Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Cardiff to London.
3. What is the fastest train from Cardiff to London?
The quickest train journey from Cardiff to London takes 1 hour 49 minutes . 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.
4. 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.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Cardiff to London trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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.
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?
k.train.uk.a2b.check.desc6
4. 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.
Other things you might be interested
1. 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.
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
£19.33
With Family & Friends Railcard
£29.00
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