4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£52
Average price
£54
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 9 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
193 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Cardiff will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Of the 3 trains that leave Watford 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 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 13 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.
10:033h13Watford13:16Cardiff£521One-way0 changes- 9:033h13Watford12:16Cardiff£531One-way0 changes
- 10:333h02Watford13:35Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
- 10:333h02Watford13:35Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
- 10:033h13Watford13:16Cardiff£521One-way0 changes
- 9:033h13Watford12:16Cardiff£531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Watford to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, and a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 193 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Watford to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday 20 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:03 Watford | 3h13 | 12:16 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:03 Watford | 3h13 | 13:16 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:33 Watford | 3h02 | 13:35 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford 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.
20 Jul
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26 Jul
Why should you book Watford to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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 Watford 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 Watford to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Cardiff run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:33. The fastest train covers the 193 km distance in 2h 59m.
Distance 193 km |
Average train duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 2h 59m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 21:33 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Watford to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Watford and Cardiff from £34. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
FAQs: Watford to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Cardiff
Most Watford to Cardiff trains use the Watford Junction to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Watford and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Watford station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park train station facilities and services
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: 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.
More options for your journey from Watford to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Watford
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