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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ilford to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 26 Nov
Cheapest price
£48
Average price
£85
Fastest journey
2 h 41 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
225 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ilford to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ilford to Cardiff will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £48.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Ilford for Cardiff every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 225 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 10 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.
11:282h41
Ilford14:09Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
04:582h41
Ilford07:39Cardiff
£621One-way
0 changes
04:293h10
Ilford07:39Cardiff
£1461One-way
0 changes
04:582h41
Ilford07:39Cardiff
£621One-way
0 changes
11:282h41
Ilford14:09Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
04:293h10
Ilford07:39Cardiff
£1461One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ilford to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ilford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 225 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Ilford to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Ilford to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday 25 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 04:28
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:29 Ilford | 3h10 | 07:39 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:58 Ilford | 2h41 | 07:39 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:01 Ilford | 2h39 | 10:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:28 Ilford | 2h48 | 12:16 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:13 Ilford | 2h55 | 15:08 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ilford 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.
Wed
26 Nov
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
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Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ilford to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ilford to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 21:58. The fastest train covers the 225 km distance in 2h 38m.
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 £7
Distance 225 km |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 05:04 |
Last train 21:58 |
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 £7
Train companies: Great Western Rail, Elizabeth Line from Ilford to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Elizabeth Line trains will get you between Ilford and Cardiff from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Price
£33
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
Elizabeth Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
£142
Elizabeth Line frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Ilford to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilford 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.
A day trip from Ilford to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 38m and trains run 3 times per day over a distance of 225 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.
Booking trains from Ilford 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 Ilford to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. As you leave London, you'll pass through bustling cityscapes and gradually transition into picturesque countryside views, with glimpses of rolling hills and quaint towns along the way.
The cost of a train ticket from Ilford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £46.
To get from Ilford to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cheapest way to get from Ilford to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £7.
The train station in Ilford that goes to Cardiff is Ilford station (IFD), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ilford to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Ilford to Cardiff.
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.
The train distance from Ilford to Cardiff is 225 km.
The train journey from Ilford to Cardiff covers a distance of 225 km and takes approximately 2h 38m. Trains run 3 per day.
The first train from Ilford to Cardiff leaves at 5:04.
The last train from Ilford to Cardiff departs at 21:58.
Trains from Ilford to Cardiff run approximately 3 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ilford to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Ilford to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ilford and Cardiff
Ilford
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Ilford is Goodmayes. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Goodmayes for your trip from Ilford to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 19:40 Saturday 07:10 - 19:00 Sunday 08:10 - 15:40
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Accessibility Category B. This station has step-free access to all platforms except platform 1. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train.
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: Ticket Hall
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: An accessible toilet is located in the stations ticket hall. This toilet is operated with a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage location: Platform 3 (covered storage) Platform 4 (uncovered storage) Station entrance (uncovered storage)
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Goodmayes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus services will depart from: High Road, Bus Stop D, for Westbound services High Road, Bus Stop C for Eastbound services Click here for map
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityWC
Hotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:00 Saturday 06:10 - 20:00 Sunday 07:10 - 20:10
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Coffee & snacks
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Accessibility Category C. This station does not have step-free access. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located At the York Mews station entrance At the Ilford Hill temporary station entrance At the Ilford south station entrance
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train.
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There are two step free, heated waiting rooms located on Platform 3. The waiting room located next to the ladies toilets has an automatic door function. Both waiting rooms are open from first to last train.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On platform 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Ilford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus services will depart from: High Road, Bus Stop L, for Westbound services Ilford Hill, Bus Stop F, for Eastbound services Click here for map
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 19:40 Saturday 06:10 - 19:00 Sunday 08:10 - 15:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train.
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 3
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Seven Kings
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus services will depart from: High Road, Bus Stop T, for Westbound services High Road, Bus Stop M, for Eastbound services Click here for map
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your journey to Cardiff from Ilford.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
More options for your journey from Ilford to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Ilford
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