- Must visit
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Watford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£53
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
3 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
3 h 9 m
Trains on 04 Sept
1
Distance
193 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Watford will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Watford, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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.
20:203h09Cardiff23:29Watford£531One-way0 changes
- 20:203h09Cardiff23:29Watford£531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Watford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £53, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 193 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m 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 Watford is a train with an average price of £53.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 45m.
Other travel options to Watford take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Watford including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 45m by train vs 2h 50m by car). Tickets start at around £53 compared to roughly £40 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Watford 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 Watford trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Watford.
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 Watford.
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 Watford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Watford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 193 km distance in 3h 8m.
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 193 km |
Average train duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 4:14 |
Last train 21:38 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Watford trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Watford from £42. 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
3h 8m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£42
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 Watford
Things to do in Watford
Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.
- Recommended
Watford Museum
Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.
Watford Palace Theatre
An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.
- Must visit
Cassiobury Park
Watford's best-known park, with broad lawns, woodland walks, playgrounds, sports facilities and the Grand Union Canal nearby.
- Recommended
Watford Town Centre Canalside
A regenerated waterside district with canal walks, modern public spaces, events and easy access from the town centre.
- Recommended
Cheslyn House and Gardens
A large nature reserve with lakes, woodland and meadows, popular for quiet walks, birdwatching and family outings.
Toad in the Hole
A classic pub staple from Hertfordshire and nearby counties: sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy.
Full English Breakfast
Traditional English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast; a familiar local weekend favourite in Watford cafés.
Fish and Chips
Beer-battered white fish with chips is a core British takeaway and pub dish, commonly eaten across Watford with mushy peas or curry sauce.
The Grove
Upscale country-house dining just outside Watford, serving refined British dishes in elegant historic surroundings.
Tarboush
Smart modern Indian restaurant known for polished curries, grills and friendly service in central Watford.
Best Turkish Kebab
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous sharing plates in a lively setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Watford Junction -> Watford Town Centre, Watford
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on many Hertfordshire buses, and Intalink also sells mobile tickets in its official app.
- For Watford bus travel, check Intalink for live route changes and buy tickets before boarding where possible.
FAQs: Cardiff to Watford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from Cardiff to Watford covers a distance of 193 km and takes approximately 3h 8m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Watford is 193 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Watford leaves at 4:14.
The last train from Cardiff to Watford departs at 21:38.
Trains from Cardiff to Watford run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Watford.
To get from Cardiff to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Watford.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Watford is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Watford is by train, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Watford 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 Watford offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the scenic landscapes of the South Wales Valleys and glimpses of the rolling hills and greenery as you approach the outskirts of London.
A day trip from Cardiff to Watford is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 8m. The trip frequency is 12 per day for trains, and the distance is 193 km.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Watford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Watford
Most Cardiff to Watford trains use the Cardiff Central to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Watford 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 Watford
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.
Whitchurch (Cardiff)Whitchurch station, off Pen-y-Dre, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1BP
City-centre transport
Getting to Whitchurch (Cardiff) from Cardiff city centre
Whitchurch (Cardiff) is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 12m · £2 · every ~4 min
Cardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 16m · £3 · every ~4 min
Bus400 · 21m · £4 · every ~6 min
24, 25, 101, 21, 102 · 47m · £2 · every ~18 min
Whitchurch (Cardiff) train station facilities and services
Whitchurch (Cardiff) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Whitchurch (Cardiff): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Whitchurch (Cardiff): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Whitchurch (Cardiff): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B Step free access to the platform from Pen y Dre, 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: No.
Which Watford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Watford most often arrive at Watford Junction. Some services arrive at Watford High Street, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Watford arrival station.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Watford and Cardiff
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