London to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Mon 18 May
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Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 18 May

Cheapest price

£53

Average price

£81

Fastest journey

1 h 44 m

Average duration

1 h 47 m

Trains per day

36

Distance

211 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London 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 to Cardiff will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.

Fast trains

Of the 36 trains that leave London for Cardiff every day 31 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 48 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.

  • Great Western RailwayG14947
    22:492h18
    London Paddington (PAD)
    1:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34629
    14:151h51
    London Paddington (PAD)
    16:06Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34648
    19:481h50
    London Paddington (PAD)
    21:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG14945
    20:481h59
    London Paddington (PAD)
    22:47Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35426
    21:481h58
    London Paddington (PAD)
    23:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff 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 train which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £35.

Distance: 211 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£62

Average Price

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 51m

Average total duration

3h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

London to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday 17 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC50048_W354398:33 London Paddington (PAD)
1h56
10:29 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC01228
On time
9:35 London Paddington (PAD)
1h53
11:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC01227
On time
10:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
12:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC01226
On time
11:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
13:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50047
On time
12:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h50
14:35 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC00840
On time
13:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h55
15:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50046
On time
14:13 London Paddington (PAD)
1h59
16:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50040
On time
14:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
16:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50042
On time
15:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h55
17:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50043
On time
16:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
18:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW34659
On time
17:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
19:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC50045
On time
18:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
20:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW34728 · W35043
On time
19:00 London Paddington (PAD)
2h30
21:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC50039
On time
19:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
21:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC01225
On time
20:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
22:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC01224
On time
21:45 London Paddington (PAD)
1h49
23:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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
17 May
Mon
18 May
Tue
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Why should you book London to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from London to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London 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 South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from London 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 London to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from London to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Cardiff.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from London to Cardiff is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London 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 London to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London to Cardiff run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 211 km distance in 1h 44m.

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
211 km
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£35
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
12
Fastest train
1h 44m
First train
0:07
Last train
23:00
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
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 £5

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from London to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between London and Cardiff from £5. 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 Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£35
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 15m
Cheapest Price
£68
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£128
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

FAQs: London to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from London to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from London to Cardiff covers a distance of 211 km and takes approximately 1h 44m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from London to Cardiff is 211 km.
The first train from London to Cardiff leaves at 0:07.
The last train from London to Cardiff departs at 23:00.
Trains from London to Cardiff run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between London and Cardiff. The service operates 12 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from London to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London to Cardiff.
The train station in London that goes to Cardiff is London Paddington (PAD), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from London to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from London 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 to Cardiff offers glimpses of the English and Welsh countryside, including rolling hills and quaint villages, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
A day trip from London to Cardiff is possible as the journey takes 1h 44m, covers 211 km, and there are 16 trains available 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 to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Cardiff

London
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in London is London Paddington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Paddington for your trip from London to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24/7
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Wasabi
  • The Beer House
  • Barburrito
  • Upper Crust
  • The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers)
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Burger King
  • Pret a Manger
  • The Savanna
  • Soboro Bakery
  • & more
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
  • Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton London Paddington
  • Mercure London Paddington Hotel
  • The Pilgrm
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • 24/7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near Platform 1.
Public transport options for London Paddington
  • Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
  • Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
  • Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
  • Metro: Tube Lines.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
25 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
23 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
  • Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
  • Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff London to Cardiff train

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