- Must visit
The British Museum
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£66
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£66
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
1 h 51 m
Trains on 04 Oct
12
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to London will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
On Sun 04 Oct, we found 12 trains from Cardiff to London, including 8 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 1 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.
W35220
C00123
W35438
W35439
C00165
C33109
W35220
C00123
W35438
W35439Trains from Cardiff to London run on average 28 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 23 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 211 km distance in 1h 47m.
Distance 211 km |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 23 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42289 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h55 | 11:14 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42258 · C42149 | On time 9:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 12:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
C42290 | On time 10:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h53 | 12:13 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42259 · W34486 | On time 10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 13:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
W35181 | On time 11:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h53 | 13:13 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42261 · W34491 | On time 11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h37 | 14:07 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
W35184 | On time 12:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 14:12 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42262 · W34497 | On time 12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 15:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
C42291 | On time 13:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 15:12 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42264 · W34501 | On time 13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 16:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
C42293 | On time 14:21 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h53 | 16:14 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35191 | On time 14:41 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h03 | 16:44 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42294 | On time 15:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h54 | 17:14 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42267 · C42154 | On time 15:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 18:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
W35195 | On time 16:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h50 | 18:13 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42269 · W34516 | On time 16:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h40 | 19:07 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
W35199 | On time 17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h55 | 19:13 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42271 · W34520 | On time 17:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h38 | 20:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
C42295 | On time 18:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h54 | 20:13 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35203 | On time 19:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h53 | 21:12 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42297 | On time 20:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 22:14 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42277 · W34529 | On time 20:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h07 | 23:37 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
C42448 · C42157 | On time 21:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 0:24 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 4 October | |||||
C50038 | 8:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h03 | 10:53 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
National collection of European painting from Van Gogh to Turner in a landmark Trafalgar Square setting.
Vast museum of art, design and performance, loved for fashion, sculpture and major temporary exhibitions.
Lively pedestrian riverside route linking major sights, street performers, markets and excellent views across the Thames.
West End square famous for lions, fountains and events, surrounded by galleries and central to many first-time visits.
Grand royal park with Serpentine lake, broad paths and easy walks to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
A classic breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple of British cafés and weekend dining across London.
Pale ale battered fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. A long-standing favourite in London pubs and chippies.
Slow-cooked beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potato. This hearty pie is closely associated with East London working-class food culture.
Luxury hotel venue renowned for formal afternoon tea with fine pastries, sandwiches and impeccable service in grand surroundings.
Refined Indian restaurant with a Michelin star, celebrated for polished cooking and a landmark role in London’s modern dining scene.
Historic dining room famed for traditional British pies, roast meats and classic puddings in elegant, old-school surroundings.
Very costly by European standards; hotels, dining and transport are notably pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks.
Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés: no obligation, small change optional.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> London Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to London 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to London trains use the Cardiff Central to Heathrow Terminal 5 station pair, with some services arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Heathrow Terminal 5 is 25 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Heathrow Terminal 4 is 22 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 4 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminal 4. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminal 4.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 4.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminal 4: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 4: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need