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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Luton
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£63
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
196 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Luton will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Luton every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 27 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.
10:503h20Cardiff14:10Luton£451One-way0 changes- 9:183h22Cardiff12:40Luton£551One-way0 changes
- 10:133h27Cardiff13:40Luton£581One-way0 changes
- 9:503h20Cardiff13:10Luton£771One-way0 changes
- 8:383h19Cardiff11:57Luton£811One-way0 changes
- 8:383h19Cardiff11:57Luton£811One-way0 changes
- 10:503h20Cardiff14:10Luton£451One-way0 changes
- 9:503h20Cardiff13:10Luton£771One-way0 changes
- 9:183h22Cardiff12:40Luton£551One-way0 changes
- 10:133h27Cardiff13:40Luton£581One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Luton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. 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 £10, and a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 196 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 Luton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Luton trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15041+ C41884+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h52 | 12:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
G15041+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W32939 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h52 | 12:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| W34974 · G14899+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45548 | 8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h00 | 12:27 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| W35432+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C41892 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h51 | 13:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| W35432+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W32970 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h51 | 13:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| G15006 · G14900+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45565 | 9:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 13:27 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| W35178+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C41898 | 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h52 | 14:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| G15008 · G14902+C41899+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h10 | 14:40 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| G15188 · W34493+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45549 | 12:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 15:57 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| G15046+C41908+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 16:11 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| G15012 · G14904+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W32975 | 12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h10 | 16:40 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| Y41669 · W34498+W45415+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 13:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 16:57 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| W35434+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W32959 | 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 17:11 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
| G15013 · G14905+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W32963 | 13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h10 | 17:40 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Luton 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Luton trains with Omio?
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Luton.
- 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 to Luton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Luton.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Luton?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 3h 16m.
Distance 196 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 16m |
First train 1:25 |
Last train 21:32 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Luton trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Luton from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Cardiff to Luton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Luton
Most Cardiff to Luton trains use the Cardiff Central to London Luton Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Luton. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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.
Which Luton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Luton train station facilities and services
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Luton and Cardiff
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