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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
€69
Average price
€89
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 57 m
Trains per day
14
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 €89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €69.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Luton to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.
C22685+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+
C50048_W354396:50 AM4h19Luton station (LUT)11:09 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€691One-way2 transfers- Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C01228+C226647:54 AM4h21Luton station (LUT)12:15 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€691One-way2 transfers
- C50040+X56719+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington12:43 PM4h15Luton station (LUT)4:58 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€691One-way2 transfers
- C00840+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+X5672311:43 AM4h13Luton station (LUT)3:56 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€691One-way2 transfers
- C01227+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+X567358:39 AM4h12Luton station (LUT)12:51 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€691One-way2 transfers
C04249+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C012248:25 PM3h55Luton station (LUT)12:20 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€871One-way2 transfers- C50047+C21856+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington10:58 AM3h55Luton station (LUT)2:53 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1391One-way2 transfers
- C50045+C04228+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington4:55 PM3h58Luton station (LUT)8:53 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€941One-way2 transfers
- C04240+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C012256:55 PM3h59Luton station (LUT)10:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€871One-way2 transfers
- C50039+C04233+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington5:55 PM4h00Luton station (LUT)9:55 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€871One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 €11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. 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 €11, and a train costs an average of €29.
Distance: 196 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€65 Average price | €20 Average price Cheapest |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m 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
Luton to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C50048_W35439+C22685 | 6:50 AM Luton station (LUT) | 4h19 | 11:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C01228+C22664 | 7:54 AM Luton station (LUT) | 4h21 | 12:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C01227+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+X56735 | 8:39 AM Luton station (LUT) | 4h12 | 12:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C01226+C21881+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 9:53 AM Luton station (LUT) | 4h04 | 1:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C50047+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C21856 | 10:58 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3h55 | 2:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C00840+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+X56723 | 11:43 AM Luton station (LUT) | 4h13 | 3:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C50040+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+X56719 | 12:43 PM Luton station (LUT) | 4h15 | 4:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C50042+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C04210 | 1:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 4h01 | 5:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C50043+C04217 | 2:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 4h02 | 6:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W34659+C04223 | 3:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 4h03 | 7:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C50045+C04228 | 4:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h58 | 8:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C50039+C04233+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 5:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 4h00 | 9:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+C01225+C04240 | 6:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h59 | 10:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Luton to Cardiff 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.
Sun
May 31
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Jun 06
Why should you book Luton to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Luton to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Cardiff.
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.
Trains
from €53Buses
from €16Journey information
Overview: Train from Luton to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Luton to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:40, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 3h 6m.
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 €11
Distance 196 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 6m |
First train 2:40 AM |
Last train 9:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
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 €11
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from €11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
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 6m
Cheapest Price
€29
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
€175
Thameslink frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a 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.
Cheap train tickets from Luton to Cardiff can start from as little as €29 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Luton to Cardiff is €65; 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 Luton to Cardiff is 3h 6m to travel the 196 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 Luton to Cardiff leaves at 2:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 9:32 PM.
There are 6 trains a day from Luton to Cardiff which require at least one change with Great Western Railway, Thameslink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Luton to Cardiff, you can count on Great Western Railway, Thameslink for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Luton and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Luton to Cardiff is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Luton to Cardiff
Luton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Luton is Luton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luton for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
Luton
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
Parking
- Car Park: Station Road Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
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
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front and rear entrances
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Coffee shops
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
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
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Leagrave
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
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
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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 Luton.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
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)
Cardiff Queen Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
- Car Park: No
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
- 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
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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.
Whitchurch (Cardiff)
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Step free access to the platform from Pen y Dre.
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: On Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Whitchurch (Cardiff)
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Along the A470 (Northern Avenue) towards Cardiff at the bus stop after the junction with Caedelyn Road
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
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Luton
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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