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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Showing times and prices for 03 Dec
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£70
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
212 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave London Waterloo (WAT) for Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 212 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 57 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.
09:402h36
London Waterloo (WAT)12:16Cardiff Central (CDF)
£541One-way
0 changes
08:392h57
London Waterloo (WAT)11:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
£721One-way
0 changes
07:422h25
London Waterloo (WAT)10:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
£851One-way
0 changes
07:422h25
London Waterloo (WAT)10:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
£851One-way
0 changes
09:402h36
London Waterloo (WAT)12:16Cardiff Central (CDF)
£541One-way
0 changes
08:392h57
London Waterloo (WAT)11:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
£721One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 212 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price |
2h 49m Average total duration 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 28m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 04:13
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08237 | On time 08:12 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h25 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08238 | On time 08:42 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h25 | 11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08239 | On time 09:12 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h28 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08240 | On time 09:39 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h31 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08241 | On time 10:12 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h24 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Tube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+P08242 | On time 10:40 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h36 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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
03 Dec
03 Dec
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04 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:46, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 212 km distance in 2h 23m.
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 £5
Distance 212 km |
Average train duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 04:46 |
Last train 21:05 |
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 £5
Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Rail, South Western Railway trains will get you between London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £5. 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 23m
Cheapest Price
£40
Great Western Rail 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
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 51m
Cheapest Price
£154
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
FAQs: London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train journey from London Waterloo to Cardiff Central is not typically considered scenic as it mainly passes through urban and suburban areas. However, some parts of the route offer views of the English countryside.
A day trip from London Waterloo to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 23m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 212 km.
The cheapest way to get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train distance from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 212 km.
The last train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 21:05.
The train journey from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 212 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 7 per day.
There is no night train service from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:46.
Trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, you can take the train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
To get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
London
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in London is London Waterloo. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Waterloo for your trip from London to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Tickets bought in advance online or from South Western Railway telesales can be collected at Ticket Office or at Self-Serve Ticket Machines.
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: A wide range of shops including convenience store, supermarket, pharmacy, newsagent, bookseller, clothing, gifts, travel accessories and passport photobooth.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Cycle storage is located outside exit 3 on Station Approach / Cab Road.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for London Waterloo
- Onward travel information: Waterloo is well connected to London's public transport network. Waterloo Underground station serves the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Buses depart from several points around the station. All Transport for London Buses are accessible with step free access and have a dedicated mobility space. Buses from Waterloo (tfl.gov.uk) The station has a dedicated taxi rank for London Black Taxis on the roadway outside exit 3. Santander Hire Bicycles are available from the docking stations outside. Santander Cycles - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Waterloo is within easy walking distance of the South Bank and a number of visitor attractions. Walking - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
- Metro: Waterloo Underground station is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Step free access is available to and from the Jubilee Line. For more information on London Transport accessibility: Plan an accessible journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from London.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar 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)
Most popular train connections from London Waterloo (WAT)
More options for your journey from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
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