- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum of human history and culture, known for the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and vast global collections.
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
2 h 41 m
Average duration
2 h 44 m
Trains per day
41
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to London will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 41 trains that leave Cardiff for London on Mon, May 25, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 2 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
W35202
W35437
G15050
G66813+
G15055
G15051 · W34530
V95182
GW121500 · V80882+
W45135
W35167
W35188
G15049Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to London 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 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $47.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m 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 Cardiff to London:
A bus is $63 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to London costing on average $83 (€67).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GW106000 · W35211 | 8:15 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h09 | 11:24 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
C33106+ G39587 | 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h44 | 1:07 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
GW105800 · W35211+ G39587 | 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 11:24 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80648 · GW105600 · C00123 | 8:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 12:24 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW105000 · C50037+ Y61968 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h55 | 1:25 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80645 · GW104800 · W35438 | 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h04 | 2:24 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW104200 · W35439+ Y62006 | 12:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h55 | 3:24 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW103800 · W35220+ G39022 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h42 | 4:12 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80642 · GW103400 · W35442 | 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h49 | 5:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW103400 · W35442+ Y61969 | 2:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h40 | 5:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80641 · GW103200 · C00125 | 3:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 6:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW103000 · C00125+ G39030 | 3:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h47 | 6:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80640 · GW102600 · W35445 | 4:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h49 | 7:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW102600 · W35445+ Y61959 | 4:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h40 | 7:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80639 · GW102400 · W35246 | 5:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h49 | 8:09 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW102000 · C00139+ Y61964 | 6:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 9:14 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80637 · GW101800 · W35446 | 7:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 10:14 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
V80636 · GW100000 · W35250 | 8:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h05 | 11:25 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
GW100000 · W35250+ Y61984 | 8:24 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 11:25 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to London run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (211 km) distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 131 miles (211 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum of human history and culture, known for the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and vast global collections.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, da Vinci, and many other European painters.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames, famous for its collection and river views.
Historic royal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Crown Jewels and centuries of royal history.
Official London residence of the monarch, best known for its ceremonial importance and the Changing of the Guard.
Iconic Gothic church where coronations, royal weddings, and burials of notable figures have taken place for centuries.
Lively central district known for street performers, elegant arcades, shopping, and a vibrant historic market atmosphere.
Popular riverside walking area with major cultural venues, skyline views, book stalls, and a consistently lively atmosphere.
Charming neighborhood of pastel houses, attractive streets, and market culture, especially popular for photos and weekend strolls.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, often served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. A classic London pub and chippy staple.
A traditional London working-class dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes, commonly topped with parsley liquor.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. A beloved British breakfast served across London.
A stylish, very popular restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, known for house black daal, bacon naan rolls, and lively atmosphere.
A Michelin-starred gastropub in Fulham known for refined British pub cooking, excellent game, and a polished yet relaxed setting.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic charm.
Compared with most UK and European cities, London is costly for accommodation, transport, and dining, though budget food options still exist.
In Restaurants, a 12.5% service charge is often added automatically, especially in London; if included, no extra tip is expected. If not included, 10-12.5% is customary for good service. In Pubs, bart
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
The train connection between Cardiff and London is efficient and convenient, making it easy for travelers to explore these vibrant cities. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, with services provided by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. Whether you're heading to Cardiff's historic sites or London's iconic attractions, this rail link offers a seamless travel experience.
Traveling from Cardiff to London takes approximately 1h 48m, with up to 16 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Cardiff Central and arrive at London Paddington.
The first daily train from Cardiff to London departs at 05:20 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital. The last journey of the day leaves Cardiff at 11:11 PM, allowing late-night arrivals in London for those wishing to enjoy a full day of sightseeing or evening events.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Cardiff to London is £25. The average ticket price typically hovers around £61, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities.
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood for over 1,000 years as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Its significance lies not only in its role as the home of the Crown Jewels but also in its rich tapestry of history that includes tales of intrigue and execution. Unique features such as the iconic White Tower and the ravens that guard it add to its mystique and allure.
Buckingham Palace serves as both the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and an emblematic symbol of British monarchy. This grand structure is significant for hosting state occasions and ceremonies while offering visitors a glimpse into royal life during select times when the State Rooms are open to public viewing. One unique feature is Changing the Guard ceremony; this vibrant display showcases British pageantry at its finest.
The British Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections dedicated to human history across cultures from around the globe. Its significance stems from being free to enter while providing invaluable insights into ancient civilizations through artifacts like the Rosetta Stone or Elgin Marbles. A standout aspect is how it invites you on an immersive journey through time without ever leaving London—each exhibit tells stories that connect us all regardless of our origins.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to London 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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