Cardiff to London train with Great Western Railway

Thu 20 Aug
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Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to London

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£53

Average price

£74

Fastest journey

1 h 47 m

Average duration

1 h 50 m

Trains per day

34

Distance

211 km

Cheap tickets

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 £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.

Fast trains

Of the 34 trains that leave Cardiff for London every day 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 47 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.

  • Great Western RailwayG15051
    21:201h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    23:11London Paddington (PAD)
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35198
    17:181h58
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:16London Paddington (PAD)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35200
    17:501h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:44London Paddington (PAD)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35437
    20:181h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    22:09London Paddington (PAD)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35202
    19:181h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    21:10London Paddington (PAD)
    £571One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to London

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. 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 coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £34.

Distance: 211 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£60

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 53m

Average total duration

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

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

Cardiff to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW35167
On time
7:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h49
9:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35169
On time
7:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h55
9:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15041
On time
8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h56
10:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15042
On time
8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h58
10:36 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35432
On time
9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h01
11:20 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15043
On time
9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h57
11:46 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35178
On time
10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
12:11 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15044
On time
10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h59
12:49 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15045
On time
11:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
13:10 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35182
On time
11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h55
13:45 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15046
On time
12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
14:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15047
On time
12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
14:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35434
On time
13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
15:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35187
On time
13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
15:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35188
On time
14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h51
16:09 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15048
On time
14:54 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h47
16:41 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15049
On time
15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
17:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35194
On time
15:54 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h50
17:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35435
On time
16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
18:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35196
On time
16:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h51
18:41 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35198
On time
17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h58
19:16 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35200
On time
17:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
19:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15050
On time
18:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h56
20:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15022 · W34523
On time
18:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h38
21:08 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35202
On time
19:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
21:10 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35437
On time
20:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h51
22:09 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15051
On time
21:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h51
23:11 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35091 · W34530
On time
21:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h09
0:39 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Thursday 20 August
Great Western RailwayW354315:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h09
7:16 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW351615:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h51
7:44 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG150406:24 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
8:16 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15001+South Western RailwayL793536:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
10:20 London Waterloo (WAT)1 change
Great Western RailwayW351666:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
8:51 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to London by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

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Why should you book Cardiff to London trains with Omio?

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

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 or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to London.
  • 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 Cardiff to London.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

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

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to London is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to London route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to London 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 Cardiff to London.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to London run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

There are 12 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 49m.

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
211 km
Average train duration
3h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
12
Fastest train
1h 49m
First train
0:07
Last train
23:00
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
49 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
Coach from £5

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to London trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and London 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 Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
£37
Great Western Railway frequency
15 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

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 Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
£66
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to London

Things to do in London

Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.

  • Must visit

The British Museum

World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.

  • Must visit

The National Gallery

National collection of European painting from Van Gogh to Turner in a landmark Trafalgar Square setting.

  • Must visit

Victoria and Albert Museum

Vast museum of art, design and performance, loved for fashion, sculpture and major temporary exhibitions.

Pound sterling (£)

Very costly by European standards; hotels, dining and transport are notably pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
£20-40 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-5 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés: no obligation, small change optional.

FAQs: Cardiff to London train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to London can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Cardiff to London covers a distance of 211 km and takes approximately 1h 49m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to London is 211 km.
The first train from Cardiff to London leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Cardiff to London departs at 23:00.
Trains from Cardiff to London run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to London.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and London. The service operates 12 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cardiff to London, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to London.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to London is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Heathrow Terminal 5 (HWV).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to London is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Cardiff to London 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 to London primarily offers views of the English and Welsh countryside, with stretches of rolling hills and rural landscapes, but it is not particularly noted for being a scenic route compared to others in the UK.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to London is feasible, as the journey takes 1h 49m and covers 211 km. There are 19 trains per day, making it a convenient option.
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views from The London Eye, catch a theatrical production in the vibrant West End Theatre District, and explore the eclectic Camden Market. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park or visit the Tate Modern for contemporary art. Don't miss the British Museum's vast collection, the historic Tower of London, iconic Buckingham Palace, and the political landmarks of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. St. Paul's Cathedral offers architectural beauty and rich history.
For a first-time visitor to London, 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient to explore major attractions such as the British Museum, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the West End.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to London.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and London

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.

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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to London

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to London Cardiff to London train

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