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London to Cardiff train ticket prices
For a train from London to Cardiff, Advance Tickets start at just €58.12*, with average fares around €40.24. 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
€40.24
From 03 Nov to 09 Nov
Cheapest
€58.12
On Mon 03 Nov
London to Cardiff train times
Travelling from London to Cardiff, the fastest train takes 1h 43m with an average travel time of 1h 52m. With 39 daily trains, the first departs at 05:23 and the last at 23:32. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:23 London Paddington | 2h 42m, Direct | 08:05 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:35 London Waterloo | 4h 17m, 1 change | 10:52 Cardiff Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:48 London Paddington | 1h 51m, Direct | 08:39 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:12 London Paddington | 1h 56m, Direct | 09:08 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:48 London Paddington | 1h 47m, Direct | 09:35 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
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London to Cardiff Train journey information
Plan your journey from London to Cardiff 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
131 miles (210 km)
Price
From €58.12
Train operators
Direct train route from London to Cardiff
The direct train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central takes around 1h 43m and covers an average distance of 131 miles (210 km). From 05:23 to 23:32, there are 39 trains running every day.
Departing from London Paddington
The best train from London to Cardiff departs from London Paddington, located on Praed Street and connects with the London Underground. You can easily reach this station by train, bus, taxi, bike or Underground.
Operated by GWR, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, London Paddington Station connects to other major destinations like Oxford, Shenfield and Heathrow Airport by train. It also links to the London Underground system, including the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Bakerloo and District lines.
Main stops
Here are the main stops, which may vary due to different times, train operators, and routes:
- Reading
- Swindon (Wilts)
- Bristol Parkway
- Newport (South Wales)
Arriving at Cardiff Central
The best train from London to Cardiff arrives at Cardiff Central, the main railway station located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.
Cardiff Central railway station is situated in Central Square, making it highly accessible from various parts of the city. The station is well-served by local public transport, including buses and taxis, ensuring convenient travel options for all visitors.
From Cardiff Central, you can easily visit popular attractions such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium, both located nearby.
Cardiff Central is a vital transport hub, offering both local and long-distance train services. Major train operators at Cardiff Central include Transport for Wales, GWR, and CrossCountry. The station provides excellent connections to various destinations across the UK, including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Chester, Nottingham, and Manchester.
GWR trains from London to Cardiff
Travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central with GWR in around 1h50m. During this journey, you might see a variety of landscapes, such as modern buildings, the River Thames, vast countryside and farmlands, or some rolling hills and green spaces.
Travel with GWR’s high-speed trains to destinations including London, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Oxford. Benefit from first-class amenities, featuring high-speed WiFi, complimentary meals, and access to First Class lounges for a superior travel experience.
GWR Standard Class
Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Comfy seats
GWR First Class
High-quality first-class services on board. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Quieter carriages
- Free food and drink
- First Class lounges
Travel with GWR
Quickly learn about the services on GWR to enjoy a comfortable journey.
- Luggage: Up to three items: two large and one small. Large items maximum 25x40x70 cm. Additional luggage may incur charges.
- Bicycles: Best to book ahead. Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes not allowed 07:45-09:45 or 16:30-19:00 weekdays.
- Children: Bring folding strollers; baby changing facilities on all trains. Priority boarding at London Paddington, 9am-5pm weekdays.
- Pets: Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals, for free. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
- Passenger Assist: Accessible toilets, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and priority seat cards available on all trains.
London to Cardiff train travel guide
Travelling by train from London to Cardiff is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Cardiff 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 find cheap train tickets from London to Cardiff?
Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. How do I find the best train route from London to Cardiff?
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 London to Cardiff.
3. What is the fastest train from London to Cardiff?
The fastest train journey time from London to Cardiff is 1h 43m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
4. Are there direct trains from London to Cardiff?
No, there are no direct trains from London to Cardiff. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are London to Cardiff trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Cardiff trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
3. Do London to Cardiff trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
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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, 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?
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.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from London to Cardiff
Family & Friends Railcard
€26.83
With Family & Friends Railcard
€40.24
Without
How to buy cheap London to Cardiff 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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