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London Paddington to Cardiff Central train ticket prices
Travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as €54.58*, with average fares of €37.44. 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
€37.44
From 30 Oct to 05 Nov
Cheapest
€54.58
On Sat 01 Nov
London Paddington to Cardiff Central train times
From London Paddington to Cardiff Central, take the fastest train in 1h 43m, typically 1h 51m. Daily, 34 trains depart from London Paddington, with the first at 05:23 and the last at 23:32. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:15 London Paddington | 2h 23m, 1 change | 20:38 Cardiff Central | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
18:18 London Paddington | 1h 56m, Direct | 20:14 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:48 London Paddington | 1h 50m, Direct | 20:38 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:18 London Paddington | 1h 43m, Direct | 21:01 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:48 London Paddington | 1h 50m, Direct | 21:38 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
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London Paddington to Cardiff Central Train journey information
Plan your journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central 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
05:23
Last train
23:32
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1h 43m
Distance
129 miles (208 km)
Price
From €54.58
Train operators
Great Western Railway: London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains
It takes, on average, around one hour and forty-nine minutes to get from London Paddington to Cardiff Central with Great Western Railway (GWR). On your journey, you will glide across the breadth of England and into Wales, heading from London in the east to Cardiff in the west.
Great Western Railway provides services to the West of England and South Wales and inter-city trains to West London and the greater Thames Valley.
Departing from London Paddington
Paddington Station sits between Notting Hill in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Marylebone in the City of Westminster. This key station on the British rail network, served by Great Western Railway, the Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express, acts as the terminus for the Great Western Mainline. It connects London with the west of England, destinations in Wales such as Swansea and Cardiff Central, and provides commuting and regional passenger services in West London and the Thames Valley region.
Being a central London railway station, it’s easy to get to. Paddington Station has a dedicated London Underground station that runs on the Circle, District, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City lines. The station is conveniently served by local taxis and buses, making it simple and easy to catch your train.
Main stops
When travelling with GWR from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, the route usually includes four stations: Reading, Swindon, Bristol Parkway, and Newport.
However, this may change, so it's best to double-check before travelling. Scheduling changes, poor weather, and construction work may cause stops to change, sometimes at short notice.
To buy cheap train tickets, use sites like TrainPal to find the best fares, apply for a Railcard for extra discounts, and book your journey in advance.
Arriving at Cardiff Central
The train from London Paddington will arrive at Cardiff Central, the Welsh capital’s main station. Located on Central Square, it allows passengers to access Cardiff City Centre promptly. If you need to travel around the city or the wider metropolitan area, Cardiff Bus Station is conveniently located on Central Square. There is a taxi rank situated on Saunders Road, just off Central Square, too.
You’ll want to make use of Cardiff’s great public transport network, too, as there’s so much to do in the city. Being one of the UK’s four capitals, there’s a lot of history to explore. Cardiff Castle, St Fagans National Museum of History, and the National Museum Cardiff are all excellent places to start. If you feel like shopping, then head to one of the city’s moniker Victorian arcades. If you don’t mind travelling further afield, then the Wales Millennium Centre is a great place to visit for shopping, pubs, restaurants, and cultural activities.
There are three main train operators at Cardiff Central. These are Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and CrossCountry, providing train services to places like Swansea, Taunton, Nottingham, and Manchester Piccadilly.
Great Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive dining options. It also offers access to First-Class lounges at London Paddington station.
Great Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag. Under-seat and overhead storage provide generous space for cabin-sized carry-ons, laptop bags, and handbags.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space.
- Children: Under 5s can travel for free, and children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger assist: Helps with journey planning, ticketing, seat and wheelchair space booking, boarding and alighting with ramps, station navigation, and luggage handling. Booking in advance is recommended for a seamless experience.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
London Paddington to Cardiff Central train travel guide
Travelling by train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Paddington, you can reach Cardiff Central in just 1h 43m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on London Paddington to Cardiff Central 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 London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train?
Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from London Paddington to Cardiff Central.
3. What is the best way to travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest train journey time from London Paddington to Cardiff Central is 1h 43m . 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 London Paddington to Cardiff Central?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London Paddington to Cardiff Central. 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. How do I find London Paddington to Cardiff Central train timetables?
While London Paddington to Cardiff Central 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 London Paddington to Cardiff Central 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 London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Paddington to Cardiff Central 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
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, 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, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.
3. 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.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from London Paddington to Cardiff Central
Family & Friends Railcard
€24.96
With Family & Friends Railcard
€37.44
Without
How to buy cheap London Paddington to Cardiff Central train tickets
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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.
* Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.
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