The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Luton
Cheapest price
€59
Average price
€73
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 21 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
196 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Luton will cost around €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €59.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.
P08482+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36735
P08480+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36725
P08479+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36720
P08481+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36730
P08477+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36710
P08478+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y37021
P08482+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36735
P08480+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36725
P08479+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36720
P08481+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
Y36730Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Luton
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. 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 €19, and a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 196 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€62 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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 Luton train times
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:20 PM Cardiff | 3h34 | 11:54 PM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 5 | |||||
P08477+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y36710 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 11:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
P08478+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y37021 | On time 8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 11:56 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
P08479+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y36720 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 12:40 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
P08480+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y36725 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 1:10 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
P08481+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y36730 | On time 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 1:40 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
P08482+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ Y36735 | On time 10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 2:10 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Luton by train or bus
Nov 05
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Nov 11
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Luton?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Luton
Distance 196 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price €38 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 01:25 |
Last train 23:53 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Luton trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Luton from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Luton

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Luton
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- 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
- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C. The station platforms are only accessible by stairs.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Penarth Road
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Radyr) and Platform 2 (to Cardiff) from Waungron Road via ramps with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via the ramps and beneath the railway bridge on Waungron Road.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Waun Gron Road
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
- Car Park: Station Road Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front and rear entrances
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
- Type of shops available: Coffee shops
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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