- Recommended
Ludlow Museum at the Buttercross
Local museum in the Buttercross with displays on Ludlow’s past, trades and daily life. A compact introduction to the town.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Ludlow
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£28
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
1 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
1 h 25 m
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
104 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Ludlow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Ludlow will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Ludlow, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 1 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 25 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.
9:231h25Cardiff10:48Ludlow£281One-way0 changes
- 9:231h25Cardiff10:48Ludlow£281One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Ludlow
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Ludlow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £30, while a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 104 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Ludlow is a train with an average price of £30.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Ludlow is by train with an average journey time of 1h 27m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Ludlow.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 36m sooner (1h 27m by train vs 2h 3m by car). Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff to Ludlow train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Ludlow trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:23 Cardiff | 1h25 | 10:48 Ludlow | 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 Ludlow by train
Compare 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
23 Sept
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24 Sept
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26 Sept
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29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Ludlow trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all trains services from Cardiff to Ludlow.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Ludlow.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Ludlow
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Ludlow run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 104 km distance in 1h 24m.
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
Distance 104 km |
Average train duration 1h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 24m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Ludlow trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Ludlow from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 24m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£25
Transport for Wales frequency
6 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 Ludlow
Things to do in Ludlow
Discover the best of Ludlow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ludlow trip today.
- Recommended
Ludlow Printing Works
Hands-on heritage centre and print workshop focused on traditional letterpress. It offers exhibitions, demonstrations and courses.
The Gallery at the Buttermarket
Art gallery in a restored medieval inn showing changing exhibitions. Worth visiting for both the building and contemporary programme.
- Recommended
Castle Square
Elegant Georgian square beside the castle, framed by historic buildings. It is a fine place to pause and absorb Ludlow’s character.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Main medieval shopping street lined with timber-framed and Georgian buildings. Ideal for a self-guided walk through the old centre.
- Recommended
The Linney
Riverside green space below the castle with open views, paths and room to relax. Popular for an easy walk close to the centre.
Shropshire Pork Pie
Hand-raised pork pie linked with nearby Shropshire butchers; prized for seasoned pork, jelly and crisp hot-water crust pastry.
Steak and Kidney Pie
A classic British pie of beef and kidney in rich gravy, long associated with traditional pub cooking across the Marches.
- Gluten-free
Shropshire Blue
A robust local cheese made in Shropshire with a natural rind and full, savoury flavour; a staple on regional cheeseboards.
Old Downton Lodge
Refined modern British dining in a historic timber-framed setting, with tasting menus highlighting seasonal local produce.
Parkway Restaurant
Smart contemporary restaurant serving modern British cooking with strong local sourcing and an intimate, polished feel.
The Church Inn
Traditional Ludlow inn known for local ales and hearty British dishes in a relaxed pub atmosphere near the town centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than major tourist cities, but boutique stays and gastro pubs can raise daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs may have tip jars, but small change is enough.
FAQs: Cardiff to Ludlow train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Ludlow 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 Ludlow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Ludlow can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £30.
The train journey from Cardiff to Ludlow covers a distance of 104 km and takes approximately 1h 24m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Ludlow is 104 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Ludlow leaves at 4:15.
The last train from Cardiff to Ludlow departs at 23:51.
Trains from Cardiff to Ludlow run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Ludlow.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Ludlow. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To travel from Cardiff to Ludlow, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Ludlow.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Ludlow is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Ludlow station (LUD).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Ludlow is by train, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Ludlow 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 Ludlow is considered scenic as it passes through the picturesque Welsh countryside, offering views of rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming rural landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to Ludlow is feasible. The journey takes 1h 24m and covers 104 km. There are 6 trains per day.
To fully experience Ludlow's historic sites, local cuisine, and natural surroundings, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Ludlow.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Ludlow
Most Cardiff to Ludlow trains use the Cardiff Central to Ludlow station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Ludlow 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 Ludlow
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
Which Ludlow station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Ludlow arrive at Ludlow. Ludlow is from Ludlow city centre.
LudlowLudlow station, Station Drive, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2PQ+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ludlow from Ludlow city centre
Bus702 · 4m · every ~2 min
Ludlow train station facilities and services
Ludlow has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ludlow.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ludlow. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ludlow: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Ludlow: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ludlow: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1 Step free access to Platform 1 (to Shrewsbury) from the car park. Platform 2 (to Hereford) is accessed via a footbridge with steps or a long steep footpath from the station forecourt to the path at the mouth of the tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel mouth is a compliant ramped path leading to the platform which also connects with the town. This path is not part of the station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Ludlow
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ludlow and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Ludlow
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