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London to Cardiff Central train ticket prices
€42.60
On Mon 15 Jun
London to Cardiff Central train timetable
From London to Cardiff Central, take the fastest train in 1h 44m, typically 1h 53m. Daily, 39 trains depart from London, with the first at 05:23 and the last at 23:40. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:23 London Paddington | 2h 43m, Direct | 08:06 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 48m, Direct | 09:36 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
London to Cardiff Central train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
Travelling with Great Western Railway: Onboard Experience
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When is the last train from London to Cardiff?
Train travel from London to Cardiff
London Paddington: Getting to the Platform
- Getting around: London Paddington is a large and busy station, so be sure to allow plenty of time to find your platform. If you need any support navigating the station, visit Passenger Assist services on Platform 1.
- Bears and beverages: Don’t miss the chance for a photo with Paddington Bear while you wait to board! The adorable statue is located near the exit to the Elizabeth Line. The station also has coffee and food chains such as Caffe Nero and LEON for a strong coffee or pre-departure meal.
Onboard trains from London to Cardiff
- Key Landmarks: Enjoy views of Colne Valley National Park and the Chilterns National Landscape within the first 30 minutes of your journey. After that, you’ll get to cross the River Severn and round out the journey with stunning views of Wales’ south coast.
- The View Alert: To make the most of sea views once in Wales, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing West).
Arriving at Cardiff
- Leaving the station: The station has two primary exits, leading to different parts of the city. Head to the Main North Entrance, on Central Square, ideal for quick access to the city centre. Alternatively, leave the station from the Southern Entrance, at the rear of the station on Tresillian Way, which offers a convenient route to Cardiff Bay.
- Getting around Cardiff: Travel with Cardiff Bus, a local provider that offers a comprehensive bus network around the city. If you’d rather take a taxi, you’ll find a taxi rank outside the front of the station. On a sunny day, exploring Cardiff by foot is a scenic way to see the city and its sights from the impressive Cardiff Castle to shopping on St David’s Street.
London to Cardiff Central train travel guide
The train journey from London to Cardiff Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Cardiff Central in just 1h 44m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Cardiff Central?
Ticket prices from London to Cardiff Central average around €42.60, 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 London to Cardiff Central by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Cardiff Central?
The quickest train journey from London to Cardiff Central takes 1h 44m . 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 London to Cardiff Central?
No, there are no direct trains from London to Cardiff Central. 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
Is it worth taking a train from London to Cardiff Central?
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?
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
How do I find London to Cardiff Central train timetables?
London to Cardiff Central 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.
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 London to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London 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
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.
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 London to Cardiff Central route?
The route from London to Cardiff Central is operated by Elizabeth line. 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
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London to Cardiff Central 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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