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Cardiff to London train ticket prices
€56.41
On Tue 03 Mar
Cardiff to London train timetable
Travelling from Cardiff to London, the fastest train takes 1h 49m with an average travel time of 1h 54m. With 34 daily trains, the first departs at 05:07 and the last at 23:30. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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
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 1h 49m, 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?
Ticket prices from Cardiff to London average around €56.41, 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. 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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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?
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?
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 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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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?
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 Great Western Railway. 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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 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
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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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