Luton to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£59

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£64

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

3 h 7 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

3 h 10 m

Trains on 17 Sept

6

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Luton to Cardiff will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.

Fast trains

To travel from Luton to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Great Western RailwayW34622+ThameslinkW32964+Elizabeth lineC38478
    10:593h09
    Luton station (LUT)
    14:08Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £591One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35417+Elizabeth lineC38436+ThameslinkW45384
    10:293h07
    Luton station (LUT)
    13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £591One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG14939+Elizabeth lineC38397+ThameslinkW32947
    9:593h17
    Luton station (LUT)
    13:16Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £591One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34618+ThameslinkW32966+Elizabeth lineC38356
    9:293h08
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £631One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34617+ThameslinkW32951+Elizabeth lineC38305
    8:593h11
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £631One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Luton to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Luton to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £52.

Distance: 196 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Driving

£52

Average Price

£15

Average Price

Cheapest

£39

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 20m

Average total duration

4h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £15.

This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Cardiff:

A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Cardiff costing on average £52.

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 52m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton 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 5m sooner (2h 52m by train vs 2h 57m by car). Tickets start at around £52 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

Luton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ThameslinkW32958+Great Western RailwayG14938+Elizabeth lineC382508:27 Luton station (LUT)
3h13
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
ThameslinkW32951+Great Western RailwayW34617+Elizabeth lineC383058:59 Luton station (LUT)
3h11
12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
ThameslinkW32966+Great Western RailwayW34618+Elizabeth lineC383569:29 Luton station (LUT)
3h08
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
ThameslinkW32947+Great Western RailwayG14939+Elizabeth lineC383979:59 Luton station (LUT)
3h17
13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
ThameslinkW45384+Great Western RailwayW35417+Elizabeth lineC3843610:29 Luton station (LUT)
3h07
13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
ThameslinkW32964+Great Western RailwayW34622+Elizabeth lineC3847810:59 Luton station (LUT)
3h09
14:08 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 Luton 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Luton to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Luton to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton 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 to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Luton to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 02:40, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 3h 7m.

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 £11
Distance
196 km
Average train duration
2h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 7m
First train
2:40
Last train
21:32
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 £11

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from £11. 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 7m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£31
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 44m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£157
Thameslink frequency
16 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

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

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Luton to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Luton to Cardiff covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Luton to Cardiff is 196 km.
The first train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 2:40.
The last train from Luton to Cardiff departs at 21:32.
Trains from Luton to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Luton to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Cardiff.
To get from Luton to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Luton to Cardiff.
The train station in Luton that goes to Cardiff is Luton station (LUT), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Luton 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 Luton to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural views, including glimpses of the Chiltern Hills and the Severn Estuary, providing some scenic moments along the route.
A day trip from Luton to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 7m. Although the distance is 196 km and there are 6 trains per day, the travel time is too long for a day trip.
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 Luton to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Luton and Cardiff

Most Luton to Cardiff trains use the Luton to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Luton and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Luton station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Luton to Cardiff leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LTWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min

Luton train station facilities and services

Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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.

Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UKAccessibility

Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JWWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre

Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min

Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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.

More options for your journey from Luton to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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