London to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Thu, Jul 10
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
first_great_western
Comboios De Portugal
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jul 12

Cheapest price

€74

Average price

€74

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 39 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

211 km

Cheap tickets

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

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

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave London for Cardiff on Sat, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .

On Sat, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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 RailG04766
08:18AM2h19
London Paddington (PAD)
10:37AMCardiff Central (CDF)
741One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailG04917+CrossCountryC23699
09:32AM2h54
London Paddington (PAD)
12:26PMCardiff Central (CDF)
741One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailG04790 · G06167
08:30AM2h50
London Paddington (PAD)
11:20AMCardiff Central (CDF)
741One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailG04792 · G06168
09:30AM2h48
London Paddington (PAD)
12:18PMCardiff Central (CDF)
741One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailG04916+CrossCountryC23696
08:32AM2h53
London Paddington (PAD)
11:25AMCardiff Central (CDF)
741One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 €5, and a train costs an average of €49.

Distance: 211 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€72

Average price

€14

Average price

Cheapest

2h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 16m

Average total duration

3h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

London to Cardiff train times

Showing trains for today, Friday, July 11
Last updated at 5:14 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP08237
On time
7:12 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h25
9:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08273 · P09868
On time
7:30 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h49
10:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08239
On time
8:12 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h28
10:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08275 · P09869
On time
8:30 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h46
11:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08416+cross_countryC23698
On time
8:32 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h54
11:26 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08241
On time
9:15 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h21
11:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Cardiff by train or bus

Fri
Jul 11
Sat
Jul 12
Sun
Jul 13
Mon
Jul 14
Tue
Jul 15
Wed
Jul 16
Thu
Jul 17
Fri
Jul 18
Sat
Jul 19
Sun
Jul 20
Mon
Jul 21
Tue
Jul 22
Wed
Jul 23
Thu
Jul 24
Fri
Jul 25
Sat
Jul 26
Sun
Jul 27
Mon
Jul 28
Tue
Jul 29
Wed
Jul 30
Thu
Jul 31

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

The best time to book your train from London to Cardiff is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Cardiff 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 London to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
Trains from London to Cardiff run on average 16 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €49 but you can travel from only €5 by bus.
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 €5
Distance
211 km
Average train duration
2h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
€49
Trains per day
16
Direct trains
15
Fastest train
1h 43m
First train
03:08
Last train
22:58
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 €5

Train providers: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway and first_great_western trains London to Cardiff

Great Western Rail, South Western Railway and first_great_western trains will get you to Cardiff from London from €33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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.

Train information from London to Cardiff with Great Western Rail:

  • Average Duration: 1 h 47 min
  • Cheapest Price: €33

Trains from London to Cardiff 

Trains from London to Cardiff run very frequently throughout the day, with approximately 1 service departing every hour on every day of the week. The majority of Great Western Railway journeys from London to Cardiff last between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hour 50 minutes, depending on the time of day.

London to Cardiff train times: Daily departures 

There are numerous trains running from London to Cardiff on every day of the week. Services run more frequently in the morning, with trains departing approximately every 30 minutes. Trains run less frequently in the afternoon and evening, with around 1 service every hour. The first train of the day leaves at around 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and at around 8:00 a.m. on weekends. The last service of the day departs between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., and arrives at Cardiff Central Station around 12:30 a.m.

How long is the journey by train from London to Cardiff? 

The journey from London to Cardiff usually lasts between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, and varies depending on the time of the day. Most trains from London to Cardiff are direct services, but some journeys require passengers to make 1 change at Gloucester before reaching Cardiff. 

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Cardiff? 

Departure train station: London Paddington station is located in central London, and can easily be reached with the Tube by travelling to Paddington Underground Station, situated on the Circle and District Lines. The station offers pay-as-you-go WiFi, public toilets, and a range of food, drink, and shopping outlets.

Arrival train station: Cardiff Central Station is situated in the centre of the city in Cardiff Central Square, within walking distance from the city's main sights. The station offers a first-class lounge, public WiFi, shops, and accessible toilets. 

Which train companies travel from London to Cardiff? 

Most train journeys from London to Cardiff are operated by British train company Great Western Railway. 

Great Western Railway London to Cardiff 

Great Western Railway (GWR) trains from London to Cardiff operate very frequently throughout the day on every day of the week. The journey usually lasts between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on the time of day. Most GWR trains from London to Cardiff are direct, however, some journeys require passengers to change trains at Gloucester before reaching Cardiff. 

London to Cardiff trains: Services on board 

GWR trains offer passengers the option to buy first-class tickets, with extra-wide, reclining seats, a food and drink service, power sockets at every table, and access to exclusive first-class lounges at the station. First-class passengers can also make the most of enhanced WiFi onboard, with faster internet. Up to 3 pieces of luggage per passenger can be transported on GWR trains, but bulky luggage should be stored in luggage areas at the end of each carriage. Passengers can bring bikes onto GWR trains with a reservation made in advance. Up to 2 small pets can also be transported onboard, provided they are kept on a short lead or in an enclosed carrier. GWR offers a system where passengers with disabilities can pre-book assistance for their journey.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Cardiff

It's easy to find great deals on train tickets from London to Cardiff when booking with Omio. The best way to find cheap tickets is to book as far in advance as possible, as last-minute tickets can often be more expensive. Another top tip is to stay flexible with travel dates, as it's no secret that train ticket prices can vary widely depending on the time of the day or day of the week. Peak journeys will usually cost more than those outside of commuter hours. It's also a good idea to consider booking slower, indirect journeys. While high-speed, direct services are popular, they're often more expensive. 

FAQs: Trains from London to Cardiff

FAQs: Travel by train from London to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from London to Cardiff.
FAQs

popular train stations

Popular train stations from London to Cardiff

London
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in London is London Paddington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Paddington for your trip from London to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
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 DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24/7
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Wasabi
  • The Beer House
  • Barburrito
  • Upper Crust
  • The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers)
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Burger King
  • Pret a Manger
  • The Savanna
  • Soboro Bakery
  • & more
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
  • Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton London Paddington
  • Mercure London Paddington Hotel
  • The Pilgrm
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • 24/7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near Platform 1.
Public transit options for London Paddington
  • Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
  • Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
  • Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
  • Metro: Tube Lines.
Ealing BroadwayShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:35 - 23:25 Saturday 05:35 - 23:25 Sunday 07:00 - 20:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
12 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Accessibility Category B. This station has step-free access to all platforms except platform 2. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall on Approach Road.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train.
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets are located on platform 4.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: An accessible toilet is located within the waiting room on platform 4. This toilet is operated with a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: An accessible waiting room with automatic door opening is located on Platform 4. The waiting room is open from first train to last train
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Ealing Broadway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop F outside station entrance (both directions) Click here for map
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
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 DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 00:00
  • Sat: 06:00 - 23:00
  • Sun: 07:00 - 00:00
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Excess Baggage Co luggage storage is located near the entrance to Platform 16 and is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops - see the Station Plan map.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Nando's
  • The Signal Box
  • Delice de France
  • Tortilla
  • Starbucks
  • AMT Coffee
  • Upper Crust
  • Camden Food Co.
  • & many more
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi rank is located beneath the station.
  • Accessible taxis: The route to the main taxi pick up point has steps, so anyone with mobility problems can use the disabled taxi pick up point reached via the lifts. You can request assistance to and from the taxi rank can using the telephones at the top of the stairs and at the taxi set down point. Or by telephoning Mobility Assistance at London Euston on 0207 922 6482. The main taxi rank is beneath the station and is reached via the lifts next to the main ticket office or the stairs by the entrance to the Underground.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Station is fully accessible, and passengers can request assistance at the mobility assistance reception desk.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: These are located by the entrance to platforms 1-3 There are also accessible showers located in the First Class Lounge, shared between Caledonian Sleeper and Avanti West Coast.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: These are located adjacent to the main public toilets, by the entrance to platforms 1-3.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton London Euston
  • The Wesley Euston Hotel
  • Travelodge London Central Euston
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Located by the entrance to platforms 16-18
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 00:00
  • Sat: 06:00 - 23:00
  • Sun: 07:00 - 00:00
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On platform 18 at buffer end, West Colonnade opposite Sainsbury's, alongside station entrance, East Colonnade opposite M&S and to the rear of Nandos and Cafe Rouge
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the center of the station's main concourse.
Public transit options for London Euston
  • Tube lines: Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern (Bank and Charing Cross branches), Victoria
  • Overground lines: Watford DC
  • Bus lines: 18, 30, 59, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390, N5, N20, N73, N91, N205, N253
  • Rail lines: London North Western Railway, London Overground, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Go to Platform 2, there is a gate adjacent to the station from the main road.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from London.
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
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)
HomeTrainsTrain Times to CardiffLondon to Cardiff train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone
Currency
Language