Cardiff to London train with Great Western Rail

Tue, Feb 17
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Great Western Rail
National Express
South Western Railway
first_great_western
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
National Express
South Western Railway
first_great_western
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to London

Showing times and prices for Feb 17

Cheapest price

€64

Average price

€74

Fastest journey

1 h 52 m

Average duration

1 h 53 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

211 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to London will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €64.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Cardiff for London on Tue, Feb 17, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Feb 17 the direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .

On Tue, Feb 17 the slowest trains will take 1 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Great Western RailP22806
01:50PM1h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)
03:44PMLondon Paddington (PAD)
€641One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22800
10:50AM1h59
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:49PMLondon Paddington (PAD)
€641One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22805
01:18PM1h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)
03:12PMLondon Paddington (PAD)
€641One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22804
12:50PM1h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)
02:44PMLondon Paddington (PAD)
€641One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22802
11:50AM1h55
Cardiff Central (CDF)
01:45PMLondon Paddington (PAD)
€641One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to London

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €39.

Distance: 211 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€68

Average price

€16

Average price

Cheapest

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 53m

Average total duration

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London trains for today, Monday, February 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:22 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP22802
On time
11:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h55
1:45 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22803
On time
12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
2:12 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22804
On time
12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
2:44 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, February 17
great_westernP22795
On time
8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h56
10:14 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22796
On time
8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h58
10:36 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22797
On time
9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h01
11:20 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22798
On time
9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h57
11:46 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22799
On time
10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
12:11 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22800
On time
10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h59
12:49 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22801
On time
11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
1:10 PM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to London by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Tue
Feb 17
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to London?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to London is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to London route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to London per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cardiff to London.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to London run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €8 by bus.

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 211 km distance in 1h 47m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €8
Distance
211 km
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
12
Fastest train
1h 47m
First train
00:07
Last train
23:00
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €8

Train companies: Great Western Rail, National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western from Cardiff to London trainsGreat Western Rail, National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and London from €8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
€39
Great Western Rail frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Learn more about Great Western Rail

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
€74
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Learn more about South Western Railway

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
€13
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
€144
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to London

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to London by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to London can start from as little as €39 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to London is €68; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cardiff to London is 1h 47m to travel the 211 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cardiff to London leaves at 12:07 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to London leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes,there are 12 direct trains a day from Cardiff to London with Great Western Rail, National Express, first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to London, you can count on Great Western Rail, National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western for the best way to get you to London. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and London and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to London from Cardiff is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 47m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to London is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and London including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to London

Cardiff
London
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to London.
Cardiff CentralWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
address
Address
Central Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
  • Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Cathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
  • Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Cardiff Queen StreetParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Cardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to London

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for trains to London

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