- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Luton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£38
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£49
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
3 h 27 m
Trains on 13 Oct
4
Distance
196 km
Cheap tickets
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 £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 4 trains from Cardiff to Luton, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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.
9:503h20Cardiff13:10Luton£381One-way0 changes- 10:503h20Cardiff14:10Luton£461One-way0 changes
- 19:183h40Cardiff22:58Luton£541One-way0 changes
- 10:133h27Cardiff13:40Luton£561One-way0 changes
- 10:503h20Cardiff14:10Luton£461One-way0 changes
- 9:503h20Cardiff13:10Luton£381One-way0 changes
- 10:133h27Cardiff13:40Luton£561One-way0 changes
- 19:183h40Cardiff22:58Luton£541One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Luton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 2h 32m.
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 £16
Distance 196 km |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 1:25 |
Last train 21:32 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £16
Live departures
Cardiff to Luton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Luton trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50 Cardiff | 3h20 | 13:10 Luton | 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 Luton trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Luton.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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.
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Luton trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Luton from £16. 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
2h 32m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£46
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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
Complete guide to Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Recommended
The Hat Factory
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Arriva Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Town Centre, Luton
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Most local buses in Luton are run by operators listed by Luton Borough Council. Check operator apps or websites before travel because fares vary by company.
- If you are travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and the airport terminal, the Luton DART is separate from local bus travel. A DART-only single starts from £4.90.
Best day trips from Luton by train
The most popular day trips by train from Luton are London, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford and St Albans. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Luton on Omio.
Day trip from Luton to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Luton to London by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 23m.
Day trip from Luton to Brighton by train
Why visit Brighton for the day?
Brighton is a lively seaside city known for its pebble beach, Victorian pier and the Royal Pavilion. Its bohemian lanes, independent shops and strong arts scene give it a relaxed but energetic character.
How to get from Luton to Brighton by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 118 km distance in 1h 40m.
Day trip from Luton to Cambridge by train
Why visit Cambridge for the day?
Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.
How to get from Luton to Cambridge by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 1h 11m.
Day trip from Luton to Oxford by train
Why visit Oxford for the day?
Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.
How to get from Luton to Oxford by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 1h 26m.
Day trip from Luton to St Albans by train
Why visit St Albans for the day?
St Albans is a historic Hertfordshire city known for Roman Verulamium and its prominent cathedral. Its compact centre mixes ancient streets, markets and green spaces with an easy, well-kept feel.
How to get from Luton to St Albans by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 16 km distance in 11m.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Cardiff to Luton covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 2h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Luton is 196 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 1:25.
The last train from Cardiff to Luton departs at 21:32.
Trains from Cardiff to Luton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Luton.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Luton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Luton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at London Luton Airport (LUA).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the rolling Welsh hills, picturesque English countryside, and glimpses of charming villages and towns along the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Luton.
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.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Luton
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.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
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.
Which Luton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Luton most often arrive at London Luton Airport. Some services arrive at Luton DART Parkway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UK
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.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
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 Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.89 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min
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
Most popular train connections to Luton
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