Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train with Great Western Rail

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$82

Average price

$84

Fastest journey

2 h 23 m

Average duration

2 h 29 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for London Waterloo (WAT) on Fri, Nov 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 2 h 33 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 Rail
12:50PM2h30
Cardiff Central (CDF)
03:20PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
$821One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
01:54PM2h23
Cardiff Central (CDF)
04:17PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
$821One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
08:49AM2h33
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:22AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
$881One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €44.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Ferry

€67

Average price

€12

Average price

Cheapest

€27

Average price

3h 11m

Average total duration

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 37m

Average total duration

4h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

28m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:51 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP08477+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
10:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08478+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
11:12 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08479+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h37
11:56 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08480+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h33
12:22 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08481+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h29
12:47 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08482+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Waterloo
On time
10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h35
1:25 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
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
Bus from $10 (€8)
Distance
131 miles (212 km)
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$54 (€44)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 23m
First train
04:07
Last train
20:20

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) start from as low as $54 (€44) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $82 (€67) depending on the train type and class.
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
Bus from $10 (€8)

Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trainsGreat Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

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
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
Great Western Rail frequency
7 a day
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 0m
Cheapest Price
$90 (€74)
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

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
$183 (€149)
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) 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 London Waterloo (WAT), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is 131 miles (212 km).
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $54 (€44), while the average price is around $82 (€67).
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) leaves at 4:07 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) takes 2h 23m and runs 6 per day.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) leaves at 8:20 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
The train journey from Cardiff Central to London Waterloo offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic stretches featuring the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of South Wales and the English countryside, especially around the areas of the Severn Tunnel and the Thames Valley.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to London Waterloo is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 23m and the distance is 131 miles (212 km). However, trains run 6 times per day.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

Cardiff
London
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to London.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
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
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
  • Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)

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

Most popular trains to and from London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomCardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone