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London to Cardiff Central train ticket prices
€42.77
On Wed 03 Jun
London to Cardiff Central train timetable
Travelling from London to Cardiff Central, the fastest train takes 2h 25m with an average travel time of 2h 35m. With 31 daily trains, the first departs at 06:05 and the last at 22:49. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:05 London Paddington | 2h 34m, Direct | 08:39 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:30 London Paddington | 2h 55m, 1 change | 09:25 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:05 London Paddington | 2h 31m, Direct | 09:36 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:31 London Paddington | 2h 54m, 1 change | 10:25 Cardiff Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:05 London Paddington | 2h 32m, Direct | 10:37 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 2h 25m, 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?
The average ticket fare from London to Cardiff Central is about €42.77, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel 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 fastest train journey time from London to Cardiff Central is 2h 25m . 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.
Are there direct trains from London to Cardiff Central?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London 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.
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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

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 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 London to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Cardiff Central 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.
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 train from London to Cardiff Central is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
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
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
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
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted 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 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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