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Cardiff to London Paddington train ticket prices
€56.68
On Thu 21 May
Cardiff to London Paddington train timetable
Travelling from Cardiff to London Paddington, the fastest train takes 1h 49m with an average travel time of 1h 54m. With 33 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:18 Cardiff Central | 1h 52m, Direct | 17:10 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:54 Cardiff Central | 1h 50m, Direct | 17:44 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:21 Cardiff Central | 1h 52m, Direct | 18:13 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:50 Cardiff Central | 1h 52m, Direct | 18:42 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:18 Cardiff Central | 1h 58m, Direct | 19:16 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Cardiff to London Paddington train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cardiff to London Paddington 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.
Travelling with Great Western Railway: Onboard experience
What is the onboard experience like with Great Western Railway?
Whether you choose First Class or Standard Class, you’ll have a comfortable journey with GWR. In Standard Class, benefit from a seat reservation, classic snacks and sweet treats from the trolley service, and free Wi-Fi throughout the train. Upgrade to First Class for more spacious seats and quieter coaches, as well as complimentary tea, coffee, juices, biscuits, and cakes.
Should I upgrade to Great Western Railway First Class?
You’ll pay a higher price, but in return, your journey to London Paddington will come with added dashes of luxury. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and relax in a more peaceful environment. Whether it is worth the extra cost comes down to personal preference, budget, and travel style.
How regular are trains from Cardiff to London Paddington?
During the week, there is a direct train on average every half an hour from the Welsh capital to the English capital. At the weekend, the rate is closer to one every hour.
How much luggage can I bring on Great Western Railway trains?
No need to cram everything into one bag for your journey to London Paddington. With GWR, board your train with up to three items of luggage, being sure to stow all bags safely in overhead racks or in luggage racks at the end of each carriage, according to their size.
Train travel from Cardiff to London Paddington
Our local station secrets reveal top tips for a well-planned start to your journey in Cardiff, a convenient and enjoyable journey, and a smooth arrival at London Paddington.
- Public transport: Passengers travelling to the station from around the capital can arrive with Cardiff Bus, a local provider that offers a comprehensive bus network around the city and surrounding areas. As a highly walkable city, it is also possible to arrive at Cardiff by foot.
- Ticket barriers: The station has two primary entrances, so you’ll be able to get in from either the Main North Entrance, on Central Square, or the Southern Entrance, at the rear of the station on Tresillian Way. Newly refurbished ticket barriers are usually in operation, so be ready to scan yours.
- First Class Lounge: If you are travelling First Class, chill out in the exclusive Lounge, with complimentary refreshments and a dedicated customer host ready to serve you. Note: the Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 06:00 until 18:30.
Onboard trains from Cardiff to London Paddington
On a two-and-a-half-hour direct train from the largest city in Wales to the largest city in England, there is so much to see.
- Key Landmarks: Leaving behind scenic Cardiff Bay, you’ll get views of Wales’ south coast before you cross the River Severn and enter England. Look out for Dragon Hill and Whitehorse Hill just after Swindon, then views of London’s dramatic urban sprawl coming into focus as your journey reaches its end.
- The View Alert: For greenery as you near London, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East), and gaze across fields to sights like the Black Park Country Park.
London Paddington Station is located on Praed Street in the Paddington district of West London. Serving as a major hub for both mainline rail and London Underground services, it is one of Britain's busiest stations with 14 platforms and around 70 million passengers each year. The historic Grade I listed building, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, also features the famous Paddington Bear statue. Here's what you need to know about getting out of the station.
- Getting around: London Paddington is a busy station, but it is well laid out and simple to navigate. If you need any support finding your way around, visit Passenger Assist services on Platform 1.
- Re-fuel: If you need a pick-me-up before heading out in London, the station has coffee and food chains such as Caffe Nero and LEON to buy a drink or bite to eat. First Class passengers can unwind in London Paddington’s Lounge.
- Where next?: With so much to see and do in London, where will you head first? Wherever you’re going, use the London Underground to get around the city. From Paddington, hop onto the Bakerloo, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Elizabeth lines.
Cardiff to London Paddington train travel guide
Travelling by train from Cardiff to London Paddington is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can reach London Paddington 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 Paddington?
Ticket prices from Cardiff to London Paddington average around €56.68, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Cardiff to London Paddington?
What is the fastest train from Cardiff to London Paddington?
The quickest train journey from Cardiff to London Paddington takes 1h 49m . 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.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff to London Paddington?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Cardiff to London Paddington. 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.
Is it worth taking a train from Cardiff to London Paddington?
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
Are Cardiff to London Paddington trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Cardiff to London Paddington 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 Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff to London Paddington 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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Cardiff to London Paddington route?
The Cardiff to London Paddington route is operated by Great Western Railway. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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
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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed 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 Paddington 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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