Cardiff to London train with Great Western Railway

Sun 04 Oct
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CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
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CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to London

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct

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

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 £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.

Fast trains

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.

  • Great Western RailwayW35220
    14:201h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:11London Paddington (PAD)
    £661One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC00123
    10:201h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:11London Paddington (PAD)
    £661One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35438
    12:201h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    14:11London Paddington (PAD)
    £661One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35439
    13:201h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:11London Paddington (PAD)
    £661One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC00165
    9:351h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:29London Paddington (PAD)
    £661One-way
    0 changes

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 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.

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
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
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

Live departures

Cardiff to London train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42289
On time
9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h55
11:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42258 · C42149
On time
9:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
12:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42290
On time
10:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
12:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42259 · W34486
On time
10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
13:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35181
On time
11:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
13:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42261 · W34491
On time
11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h37
14:07 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35184
On time
12:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
14:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42262 · W34497
On time
12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
15:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42291
On time
13:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
15:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42264 · W34501
On time
13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
16:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42293
On time
14:21 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
16:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35191
On time
14:41 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h03
16:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42294
On time
15:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
17:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42267 · C42154
On time
15:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
18:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35195
On time
16:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h50
18:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42269 · W34516
On time
16:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h40
19:07 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35199
On time
17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h55
19:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42271 · W34520
On time
17:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h38
20:05 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42295
On time
18:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h54
20:13 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35203
On time
19:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h53
21:12 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42297
On time
20:22 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h52
22:14 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42277 · W34529
On time
20:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h07
23:37 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42448 · C42157
On time
21:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h24
0:24 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Sunday 4 October
Great Western RailwayC500388:50 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

Why should you book Cardiff to London trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and more 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 CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway, Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway 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 CrossCountry 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, Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway 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 63 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.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to London trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Transport for Wales 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 Great Western Railway Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£32
Great Western Railway frequency
32 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£66
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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 27m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£69
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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£66
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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 £32, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Cardiff to London covers a distance of 211 km and takes approximately 1h 47m. Trains run 28 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 28 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 23 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
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).
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, 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 · £0.89 · 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

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