Cardiff to Luton train with Great Western Railway

Fri, Jul 31
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Luton

Showing times and prices for Jul 31

Cheapest price

$57

Average price

$117

Fastest journey

3 h 39 m

Average duration

3 h 49 m

Trains per day

24

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Luton will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW32946
    11:18 AM3h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    3:10 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15046+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW32978
    12:18 PM4h09
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    4:27 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35178+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC41898
    10:18 AM3h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    2:10 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC41902
    11:18 AM3h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    3:10 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15046+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC41908
    12:18 PM3h53
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    4:11 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $651One-way
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $14 (€12) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 3h 16m.

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 $14 (€12)
Distance
121 miles (196 km)
Average train duration
2h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
$45 (€37)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 16m
First train
1:25 AM
Last train
9:32 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 days
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 $14 (€12)

Live departures

Cardiff to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Luton trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15041+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW329398:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
12:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15041+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418848:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
12:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34974 · G14899+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW455488:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h00
12:27 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35432+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418929:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h51
1:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35432+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW329709:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h51
1:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15006 · G14900+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW455659:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h59
1:27 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35178+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC4189810:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
2:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15008 · G14902+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW4537210:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
2:27 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15008 · G14902+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC4189910:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h10
2:40 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15187 · G14903+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW4553611:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
2:57 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW3294611:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
3:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC4190211:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h52
3:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15010 · W34490+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW4557311:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
3:27 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15188 · W34493+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW4554912:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
3:57 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15046+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW3297812:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h09
4:27 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15046+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC4190812:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h53
4:11 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15012 · G14904+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW3297512:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h10
4:40 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15012 · G14904+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW3297812:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
4:27 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Luton trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Luton.

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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Luton.
  • 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 to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Luton.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Luton?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Luton is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Luton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Luton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cardiff to Luton.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Luton trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Luton from $14 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
Great Western Railway 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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 43m
Cheapest Price
$220 (€180)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.

  • Must visit

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Luton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $45 (€37), while the average price is around $75 (€62).
The train from Cardiff to Luton takes 3h 16m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Luton is 121 miles (196 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 1:25 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 9:32 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Luton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Luton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Luton is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to London Luton Airport (LUA).
The train journey from Cardiff to Luton offers varied scenery, including views of the lush Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of charming towns, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Luton.
Popular day trips by train from Luton include London, Bedford, St Albans, Wellingborough, Harpenden.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Luton

Most Cardiff to Luton trains use the Cardiff Central to London Luton Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Luton. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Luton
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

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.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · $2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

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.

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