The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Cardiff
- Cheapest price on 12 Nov
- €51
- Average ticket price on 12 Nov
- €95
- Fastest journey on 12 Nov
- 1 h 44 m
- Average journey duration on 12 Nov
- 1 h 47 m
- Trains on 12 Nov
- 64
- Distance
- 211 km
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 €95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only €51.
On Thu, 12 Nov, we found 64 trains from London to Cardiff, including 31 direct services.
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.
W34617+
C36874 · C371609:08 AM 3h02 London Paddington (PAD) 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €51 1 One-way 2 changes
G14939+
G27564+
L806379:12 AM 4h04 London Victoria (VIC) 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €52 1 One-way 2 changes
G1493911:16 AM 2h00 London Paddington (PAD) 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €71 1 One-way 0 changes
G149401:15 PM 1h53 London Paddington (PAD) 3:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €71 1 One-way 0 changes
W3462212:13 PM 1h55 London Paddington (PAD) 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €71 1 One-way 0 changes
W346467:18 PM 1h44 London Paddington (PAD) 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €76 1 One-way 0 changes
G149347:48 AM 1h48 London Paddington (PAD) 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) €141 1 One-way 0 changes
W3541711:48 AM 1h48 London Paddington (PAD) 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €76 1 One-way 0 changes
W354181:48 PM 1h48 London Paddington (PAD) 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €76 1 One-way 0 changes
W354194:18 PM 1h48 London Paddington (PAD) 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €99 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Cardiff
Trains from London to Cardiff run on average 31 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €34 but you can travel from only €6 by coach.
There are 25 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 43m.
Distance 211 km |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €34 |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 25 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 77 days |
Live departures
London to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15021+ L79424 | Delayed 6:45 PM 4:50 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT) | 3h57 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15023+ L79428 | Delayed 7:42 PM 5:23 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT) | 4h22 | 9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14943 | 6:18 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h56 | 8:14 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14944 | 6:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y15297 · W34648 | On time 7:12 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h26 | 9:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34652+ L80818+ G26458 | Delayed 10:13 PM 7:16 PMLondon Victoria (VIC) | 4h30 | 11:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W34646 | On time 7:18 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h44 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34648 | On time 7:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h50 | 9:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35086 · G14945 | On time 8:34 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h13 | 10:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
L80837+ G14949+ G26259_C82471 | 8:35 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 5h01 | 1:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G14945 | 8:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h59 | 10:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34652 | On time 9:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h58 | 11:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14949 | 10:49 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h47 | 1:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday, 12 November | |||||
W34663 | 5:23 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h43 | 8:06 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79309+ G15004 | 6:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h17 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W35415 | 6:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h51 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79315+ G15005 | 7:10 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h36 | 11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
L79315+ G15519 · G15216 · G14938 | 7:10 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h30 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
G14933 | 7:12 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h56 | 9:08 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
C37212+ G14935 | 7:18 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h54 | 10:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14934 | 7:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h48 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80059+ G15005 | 7:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 3h56 | 11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14935 | 8:18 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h54 | 10:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79329+ G15007 | 8:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h29 | 12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15030 · G14936 | 8:32 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h05 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C37375 · C37263+ G14938 | 8:35 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h05 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G14936 | 8:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79334+ G15007 | 8:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 3h59 | 12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14955 · G14937 | 9:00 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h07 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C36874 · C37160+ W34617 | 9:08 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h02 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
L80637+ G14939+ G27564 | 9:12 AM London Victoria (VIC) | 4h04 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G14937 | 9:18 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14938 | 9:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h52 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34617 | 10:16 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h54 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14957 · W34618 | 10:30 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h07 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34618 | 10:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14939 | 11:16 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h00 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35417 | 11:48 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h48 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14959 · W34622 | 12:00 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h08 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34622 | 12:13 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h55 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35071 · W34624 | 12:32 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h05 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C37139 · C37260+ W35418 | 12:32 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h04 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
L80692+ W34629+ G26192 | 12:35 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 3h31 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W34624 | 12:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14940 | 1:15 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h53 | 3:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35073 · W35418 | 1:32 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h04 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C37282 · C37164+ W34630 | 1:36 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h02 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
C36878 · C37164+ W34630 | 1:39 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h59 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
L80710+ W34632+ G27618 | 1:41 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 3h28 | 5:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W35418 | 1:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h48 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34629 | 2:15 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h51 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34630 | 2:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h50 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79400+ G15018 | 2:50 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h00 | 6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34632 | 3:16 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h53 | 5:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79411+ G15020+ G26430 | 3:16 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 4h37 | 7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W34634 | 3:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79411+ G15020 | 3:50 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h03 | 7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
L79417+ G15021+ C93129 | 4:08 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 4h39 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W35419 | 4:18 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h48 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79417+ G15021 | 4:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h27 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15032 · W34637 | 4:33 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h04 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34637 | 4:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h49 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79424+ G15021 | 4:50 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 3h57 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14941 | 5:18 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h52 | 7:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79428+ G15023 | 5:23 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h22 | 9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15033 · G14942 | 5:32 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h06 | 7:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G14942 | 5:48 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1h50 | 7:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Cardiff?
Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from London to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between London and Cardiff from €6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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CrossCountry
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Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between London and Cardiff
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Cardiff
Most London to Cardiff trains use the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare London and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which London station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 train station facilities and services
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: 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.
Getting to Heathrow Terminal 5 from London city centre
Heathrow Terminal 5 is 25 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 5 train station facilities and services
Heathrow Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 5: 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.
Getting to London Paddington from London city centre
London Paddington train station facilities and services
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: 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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
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 Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, 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 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.
More options for your journey from London to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
