- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Luton Airport to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£64
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
3 h 18 m
Trains on 08 Sept
6
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Luton Airport to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Luton Airport to Cardiff will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
To travel from London Luton Airport to Cardiff you need to make at least 3 changes.
Luton Dart+
W45384+
C38436+
W3541710:213h15London Luton Airport (LUA)13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way3 changes- Luton Dart+W32964+C38478+W3462210:513h17London Luton Airport (LUA)14:08Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32947+C38397+G149399:513h25London Luton Airport (LUA)13:16Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32951+C38305+W346178:513h19London Luton Airport (LUA)12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)£681One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32966+C38356+W346189:213h16London Luton Airport (LUA)12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£681One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W45384+C38436+W3541710:213h15London Luton Airport (LUA)13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32966+C38356+W346189:213h16London Luton Airport (LUA)12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£681One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32964+C38478+W3462210:513h17London Luton Airport (LUA)14:08Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32951+C38305+W346178:513h19London Luton Airport (LUA)12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)£681One-way3 changes
- Luton Dart+W32958+C38250+G149388:193h21London Luton Airport (LUA)11:40Cardiff Central (CDF)£881One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for London Luton Airport to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Luton Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £59.
Distance: 198 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m 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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from London Luton Airport to Cardiff:
A coach is £36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Luton Airport to Cardiff costing on average £59.
The fastest way to travel from London Luton Airport to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Luton Airport and Cardiff 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 12m sooner (2h 49m by train vs 3h 1m by car). Tickets start at around £59 compared to roughly £39 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
London Luton Airport to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for London Luton Airport to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G14938+Luton Dart+C38250+W32958 | 8:19 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h21 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| W34617+W32951+Luton Dart+C38305 | 8:51 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h19 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| W34618+Luton Dart+C38356+W32966 | 9:21 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h16 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| G14939+Luton Dart+C38397+W32947 | 9:51 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h25 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| W35417+W45384+Luton Dart+C38436 | 10:21 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h15 | 13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| W34622+C38478+W32964+Luton Dart | 10:51 London Luton Airport (LUA) | 3h17 | 14:08 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Luton Airport to Cardiff 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
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13 Sept
13 Sept
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14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book London Luton Airport to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Luton Airport to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Luton Airport to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:29, the last at 11:39. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 3h 15m.
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 £14
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 7:29 |
Last train 11:39 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 £14
Train companies: Great Western Railway from London Luton Airport to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between London Luton Airport and Cardiff from £14. 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 15m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£37
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 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: London Luton Airport to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Luton Airport 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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £59.
The train journey from London Luton Airport to Cardiff covers a distance of 198 km and takes approximately 3h 15m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from London Luton Airport to Cardiff is 198 km.
The first train from London Luton Airport to Cardiff leaves at 7:29.
The last train from London Luton Airport to Cardiff departs at 11:39.
Trains from London Luton Airport to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
To get from London Luton Airport to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
The cheapest way to get from London Luton Airport to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from London Luton Airport 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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. As the train departs Luton, passengers will initially see urban landscapes which gradually transition to the picturesque countryside of the Chiltern Hills and the rolling fields of southern England, providing a pleasant visual experience along the route.
A day trip from London Luton Airport to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 15m. Trains run 5 times per day.
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 London Luton Airport to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Luton Airport and Cardiff
Most London Luton Airport to Cardiff trains use the London Paddington to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare London Luton Airport and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
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.
Most popular train connections from London Luton Airport
More options for your journey from London Luton Airport to Cardiff
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Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and London Luton Airport
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