The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
3 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
212 km
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 $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) without transferring at least 2 times.
W34991+
L79252 · L7880412:25 PM3h59Cardiff Central (CDF)4:24 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)$921One-way2 transfers
W34991+
L79252 · L7880412:25 PM3h59Cardiff Central (CDF)4:24 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)$921One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT):
A bus is $75 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to London Waterloo (WAT) take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 56m.
The journey is about 46m faster (2h 37m by train vs 3h 23m by car) and roughly $13 (€11) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($86 (€70) vs $99 (€80)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
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, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42292+ Tube from London Paddington to London Waterloo | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h55 | 4:15 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
C42264+ L79432 | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h46 | 5:16 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
C42264 · W34501+ Tube from London Paddington to London Waterloo | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h11 | 4:41 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2 transfers | |
C42293+ Tube from London Paddington to London Waterloo | On time 2:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 5:15 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
C42266+ L79442 | On time 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h46 | 6:16 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
C42266 · W34506+ Tube from London Paddington to London Waterloo | On time 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h13 | 5:43 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 2 | |||||
W34991+ L79252 · L78804 | 12:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 4:24 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2 transfers | |
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 bus or train
Compare bus 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.
Aug 02
Aug 03
Aug 04
Aug 05
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains with Omio?
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 South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
- 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 16:18. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 2h 26m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 26m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 4:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) from $7 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT) trains use the Cardiff Central to Heathrow Terminal 5 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Waterloo (WAT) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 London Waterloo from London city centre
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo train station facilities and services
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Waterloo (WAT)
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