Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train with Great Western Railway

Wed 09 Sept
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South Western Railway
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South Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Sept

Cheapest price on 09 Sept

£67

Average ticket price on 09 Sept

£81

Fastest journey on 09 Sept

2 h 32 m

Average journey duration on 09 Sept

2 h 43 m

Trains on 09 Sept

8

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.

Fast trains

To travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayG15043+South Western RailwayL80688
    9:493h18
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:07London Waterloo (WAT)
    £671One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15043+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
    9:492h33
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:22London Waterloo (WAT)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15003+South Western RailwayL79364
    7:273h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:16London Waterloo (WAT)
    £811One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15001+South Western RailwayL79353
    6:283h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:20London Waterloo (WAT)
    £811One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW34974+South Western RailwayL79375
    8:273h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:16London Waterloo (WAT)
    £811One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £63.

Distance: 212 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£63

Average Price

£8

Average Price

Cheapest

£73

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 27m

Average total duration

3h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 23m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is a coach with an average price of £8.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT):

A coach is £56 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) costing on average £63.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 37m.

Other travel options to London Waterloo (WAT) take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 46m faster (2h 37m by train vs 3h 23m by car) and roughly £10 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£63 vs £73). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains for today, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15001+South Western RailwayL79353
On time
6:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
10:20 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15003+South Western RailwayL79364
On time
7:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
11:16 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15041+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
10:50 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34974+South Western RailwayL79375
On time
8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
12:16 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15042+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h34
11:12 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35432+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h37
11:56 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15043+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h33
12:22 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35178+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h29
12:47 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15044+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
13:25 London Waterloo (WAT)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) by coach or train

Compare coach 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.

Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).

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 South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 07:38, the last at 12:18. The fastest train covers the 212 km distance in 2h 29m.

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
Coach from £5
Distance
212 km
Average train duration
2h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£39
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 29m
First train
7:38
Last train
12:18
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
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
Coach from £5

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) from £5. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£39
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

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 South Western Railway Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£67
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

FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) 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 Waterloo (WAT), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) covers a distance of 212 km and takes approximately 2h 29m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is 212 km.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) leaves at 7:38.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) departs at 12:18.
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
To get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT), you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to London Waterloo offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the Severn Estuary and the rolling countryside of South Wales and the west of England. While not the most scenic route compared to others in the UK, it provides a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to London Waterloo is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 29m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 212 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT)

Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains use the Cardiff Central to Heathrow Terminal 5 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in London
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

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

Most popular trains to and from London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsCardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train

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