- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Croydon to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£59
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
4 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
4 h 30 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
214 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Croydon to Cardiff will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Fast trains
To travel from Croydon to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.
C50048+
Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+
SN7378005:594h30East Croydon (ECR)10:29Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way2 changes
- C50048+Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+SN7378005:594h30East Croydon (ECR)10:29Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Croydon to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, while a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 214 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £10 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Croydon to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £10.
This is compared to other travel options from Croydon to Cardiff:
A coach is £45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Croydon to Cardiff costing on average £55.
The fastest way to travel from Croydon to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Croydon and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 42m sooner (2h 40m by train vs 3h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £55 compared to roughly £42 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.
Live departures
Croydon to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C50048+SN737800+Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington | 5:59 East Croydon (ECR) | 4h30 | 10:29 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Croydon to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Croydon to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink or Southern offer trains services from Croydon to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Croydon to Cardiff.
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 Thameslink or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Cardiff.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Croydon to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Croydon to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Croydon to Cardiff?
The best time to book your train from Croydon to Cardiff is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Croydon to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Croydon to Cardiff 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 Croydon to Cardiff.
Trains
from £87Journey information
Overview: Train from Croydon to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Croydon to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:11, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 52m.
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 £6
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 3:11 |
Last train 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern from Croydon to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern trains will get you between Croydon and Cardiff from £6. 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 52m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£43
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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£140
Thameslink frequency
17 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Southern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Southern Price
£154
Southern frequency
8 a day
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
FAQs: Croydon to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Croydon to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Croydon to Cardiff covers a distance of 214 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Croydon to Cardiff is 214 km.
The first train from Croydon to Cardiff leaves at 3:11.
The last train from Croydon to Cardiff departs at 21:45.
Trains from Croydon to Cardiff run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Croydon to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Croydon to Cardiff.
To get from Croydon to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Croydon to Cardiff.
The train station in Croydon that goes to Cardiff is East Croydon (ECR), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Croydon to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Croydon to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Croydon to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the Surrey countryside and the scenic South Wales valleys, providing a pleasant visual experience, especially during daylight hours.
A day trip from Croydon to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 52m. Trains run 2 times per day, covering a distance of 214 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Croydon to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Croydon and Cardiff
Most Croydon to Cardiff trains use the East Croydon to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Croydon
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Croydon station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Croydon to Cardiff leave from East Croydon. The station is 1 km from Croydon city centre at East Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF
City-centre transport
Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
East Croydon train station facilities and services
East Croydon 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 and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
West CroydonWest Croydon station, London Road, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 2TA
City-centre transport
Getting to West Croydon from Croydon city centre
Bus289 · 4m · £2 · every ~20 min
450 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
157 · 7m · £2 · every ~20 min
West Croydon train station facilities and services
West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at West Croydon: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Most popular train connections from Croydon
More options for your journey from Croydon to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Croydon
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
