4.9
4.6
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. 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 £16, while a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 211 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£67 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  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.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Cardiff:
A coach is £51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cardiff costing on average £67.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 13m.
You'll arrive about 54m sooner (2h 10m by train vs 3h 4m by car). Tickets start at around £67 compared to roughly £53 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.
How to get to Cardiff from London by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from London to Cardiff is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBusFlixBusW34646W35417W34618W34624FlixBusFlixBusNX040 · NX216Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Cheltenham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cardiff on Omio.
Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.
Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.
Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for elegant architecture, garden squares and a lively festival calendar. It is especially associated with jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival, balanced by a refined town-centre atmosphere.
Located only around 240 kilometres apart the journey from London to Cardiff is most convenient by train. Direct train journeys depart London Paddington daily from early morning running until late evening with regular services throughout the day. Direct coach services are available departing London Victoria Coach station and arriving at Cardiff central - usually taking around 3 to 3.5 hours.
Travel to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from London to Cardiff.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Cardiff:
A coach is £51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cardiff costing on average £67.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 13m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between London and Cardiff as scheduled services by train and coach can vary by season or day of the week.
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