Luton to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Sat, Nov 29
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Great Western Rail
Regionale
Regiojet
Deutsche Bahn
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Regionale
Regiojet
Deutsche Bahn
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Nov 30

Cheapest price

€68

Average price

€115

Fastest journey

3 h 17 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Luton to Cardiff will cost around €115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €68.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Luton to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.

ThameslinkY37194+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27475
08:59AM3h34
Luton station (LUT)
12:33PMCardiff Central (CDF)
681One-way
2 transfers
ThameslinkX02252+Tfl RailF00385+Great Western RailC27468
12:06PM3h33
Luton station (LUT)
03:39PMCardiff Central (CDF)
681One-way
2 transfers
ThameslinkX02203+East Midlands TrainsY07021+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27559
10:16AM3h18
Luton station (LUT)
01:34PMCardiff Central (CDF)
1381One-way
3 transfers
ThameslinkX02206+East Midlands TrainsY07017+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27475
09:16AM3h17
Luton station (LUT)
12:33PMCardiff Central (CDF)
1381One-way
3 transfers
ThameslinkX02411+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27467
11:12AM3h22
Luton station (LUT)
02:34PMCardiff Central (CDF)
1381One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Luton to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 47m. 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 €12, and a train costs an average of €25.

Distance: 196 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€67

Average price

€21

Average price

Cheapest

3h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 52m

Average total duration

5h 22m

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

Luton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:01 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_western5:29 AM Luton
3h07
8:36 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western7:29 AM Luton
3h12
10:41 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western7:52 AM Luton
3h45
11:37 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western7:58 AM Luton
3h39
11:37 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western9:17 AM Luton
3h19
12:36 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Cardiff by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06

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

The best time to book your train from Luton to Cardiff is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton 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 Luton to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 02:33, the last at 21:44. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 3h 2m.

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 €12
Distance
196 km
Average train duration
2h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
02:33
Last train
21:44
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 €12

Train companies: Great Western Rail from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from €12. 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
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
€37
Great Western Rail frequency
5 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

FAQs: Trains from Luton to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Luton to Cardiff can start from as little as €36 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Luton to Cardiff is €83; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Cardiff from Luton is on average 3 h 5 min   for the 195 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Luton to Cardiff by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 02: 32. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 21: 45.
There are 6 trains a day from Luton to Cardiff which require at least one change with Great Western Rail or Thameslink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the trip from Luton to Cardiff you can take a train with Great Western Rail or Thameslink. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services to Cardiff from Luton on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 45.
A trip to Cardiff from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 5 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Luton to Cardiff by train is December.
You have options as you can travel to Cardiff from Luton 2 different ways: train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Luton to Cardiff

Luton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Luton is Leagrave. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leagrave for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
LeagraveWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
LutonWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Road Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front and rear entrances
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Coffee shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
  • Storage CCTV: Yes

Most popular train connections from Luton

More options for your journey from Luton to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to CardiffLuton to Cardiff train

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