Compensation and refunds
Trainpal is here to assist with travel changes, ticket refunds, and Delay Repay requests.
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.
London to Cardiff train ticket prices
For a train from London to Cardiff, Advance Tickets are available starting at £47.00*, with the average fare being £29.00. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average
£29.00
From 20 Dec to 24 Dec
Cheapest
£47.00
On Tue 23 Dec
London to Cardiff train times
Travelling from London to Cardiff, the fastest train takes 1 hour 48 minutes with an average travel time of 1 hour 51 minutes. With 21 daily trains, the first departs at 06:48 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:13 London Paddington | 2 hours 4 minutes, Direct | 14:17 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:48 London Paddington | 1 hour 49 minutes, Direct | 14:37 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:48 London Paddington | 1 hour 48 minutes, Direct | 15:36 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:48 London Paddington | 1 hour 49 minutes, Direct | 16:37 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:48 London Paddington | 1 hour 49 minutes, Direct | 17:37 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
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
06:48
Last train
23:30
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 48 minutes
Distance
131 miles (210km)
Price
From £47.00
Train operators
Direct train route from London to Cardiff
The direct train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central takes around 1 hour 48 minutes and covers an average distance of 131 miles (210km). From 06:48 to 23:30, there are 21 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 1 hour 48 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 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. What is the best way to travel from London to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff.
3. What is the best way to travel from London to Cardiff by train?
The fastest train journey time from London to Cardiff is 1 hour 48 minutes . 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 to Cardiff?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Cardiff. 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 London to Cardiff trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While London to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Cardiff route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
4. 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.
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 can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers
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?
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
£19.33
With Family & Friends Railcard
£29.00
Without
How to buy cheap London to Cardiff 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