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

Wed, Aug 05
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

lei335

Average price

lei444

Fastest journey

2 h 24 m

Average duration

2 h 27 m

Trains per day

29

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around lei444 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei335.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) without transferring at least once.

  • South Western RailwayL79974 · L79438+Great Western RailwayW35041
    6:07 PM4h49
    London Waterloo (WAT)
    10:56 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    lei3351One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34622+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
    11:37 AM2h31
    London Waterloo (WAT)
    2:08 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    lei3791One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG14939+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
    10:39 AM2h37
    London Waterloo (WAT)
    1:16 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    lei3791One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayW34624+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
    12:12 PM2h25
    London Waterloo (WAT)
    2:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    lei3791One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG14940+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
    12:39 PM2h29
    London Waterloo (WAT)
    3:08 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    lei3791One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from lei31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of lei31, and a train costs an average of lei230.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

lei373

Average price

lei48

Average price

Cheapest

lei449

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 32m

Average total duration

4h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 11m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a bus with an average price of lei48.

This is compared to other travel options from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF):

A bus is lei325 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average lei373.

The fastest way to travel from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.

Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 2m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 53m faster (2h 18m by train vs 3h 11m by car) and roughly lei76 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (lei373 vs lei449). 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

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

The table below shows live departures for London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15007+South Western RailwayL79334
Delayed
9:42 AM 8:50 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
3h59
12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15009+South Western RailwayL79342
Delayed
10:42 AM 9:20 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h25
1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34618+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
Delayed
9:48 AM 10:12 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
2h25
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15521 · Y41800 · W34624+South Western RailwayL79352
Delayed
11:07 AM 10:20 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h17
2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15011+South Western RailwayL79352
Delayed
11:42 AM 10:20 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h29
2:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14939
On time
10:39 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
2h37
1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG14939+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington
Delayed
10:15 AM 10:40 AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
2h36
1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL79355+Great Western RailwayG15011
On time
10:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h59
2:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL79389+Great Western RailwayG15016
On time
1:50 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h59
5:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15018+South Western RailwayL79400
Delayed
3:42 PM 2:50 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h00
6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15020+South Western RailwayL79406
Delayed
4:42 PM 3:20 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h33
7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15020+South Western RailwayL79411
Delayed
4:42 PM 3:50 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h03
7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15021+South Western RailwayL79417
Delayed
5:42 PM 4:20 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
4h27
8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL83127 · L79428+Great Western RailwayG15023
On time
4:42 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
5h03
9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15021+South Western RailwayL79424
Delayed
5:42 PM 4:50 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
3h57
8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL80302 · L79428+Great Western RailwayG15023
On time
5:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h40
9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
South Western RailwayL80534 · L79433+Great Western RailwayG15023
On time
5:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h25
9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15023+South Western RailwayL79433
Delayed
6:42 PM 5:53 PMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
3h52
9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL79438+Great Western RailwayW35041
On time
6:23 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h33
10:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
South Western RailwayL79438+Great Western RailwayG15529 · Y41830 · G14945
On time
6:23 PM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h24
10:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15004+South Western RailwayL793096:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h17
10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15005+South Western RailwayL793157:10 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h36
11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15519 · G15216 · G14938+South Western RailwayL793157:10 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h30
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15005+South Western RailwayL80059 · L832477:12 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h34
11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
South Western RailwayL80059+Great Western RailwayG150057:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h56
11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15007+South Western RailwayL793298:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h29
12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15007+South Western RailwayL793348:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h59
12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15009+South Western RailwayL793429:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h25
1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
South Western RailwayL80061+Great Western RailwayG150099:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h55
1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34618+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Paddington10:12 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
2h25
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15521 · Y41800 · W34624+South Western RailwayL7935210:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h17
2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15011+South Western RailwayL7935210:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h29
2:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway operates all trains services from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • 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 London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

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

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at lei230 but you can travel from only lei31 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:46, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 2h 20m.

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 lei31
Distance
131 miles (212 km)
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
lei230
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 20m
First train
4:46 AM
Last train
10:08 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
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 lei31

Train companies: Great Western Railway from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from lei31. 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
2h 20m
Cheapest Price
lei230
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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

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

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at lei230, while the average price is around lei373.
The train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) takes 2h 20m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 131 miles (212 km).
The first train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:46 AM.
The last train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 10:08 PM.
There is no high speed train available from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
There is no direct train service currently available from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by bus, with a cost of around lei31.
The train journey from London Waterloo to Cardiff Central is moderately scenic, featuring the picturesque countryside of southern England and parts of Wales, with views of rolling hills, fields, and quaint villages along the route.
A day trip from London Waterloo to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 20m and trains run 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Since neither London Waterloo (WAT) nor Cardiff Central (CDF) are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) include Swansea, London, Newport, Bridgend, Swindon.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users.
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.
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 London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most London Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the London Paddington to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare London Waterloo (WAT) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
London WaterlooLondon Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to London Waterloo from London city centre

London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus139 · 10m · lei11 · every ~27 min
SubwayNorthern · 3m · lei6 · every ~86 min

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.

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

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

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

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomLondon Waterloo (WAT) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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