Luton to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Sun, May 31
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for May 31

Cheapest price

$85

Average price

$111

Fastest journey

3 h 55 m

Average duration

3 h 59 m

Trains per day

13

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Luton to Cardiff will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayC50048_W35439+ThameslinkC22685+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    6:50 AM4h19
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:09 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC50040+ThameslinkX56719+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    12:43 PM4h15
    Luton station (LUT)
    4:58 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC00840+ThameslinkX56723+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    11:43 AM4h13
    Luton station (LUT)
    3:56 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkC22664+Great Western RailwayC01228+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    7:54 AM4h21
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:15 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC01227+ThameslinkX56735+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    8:39 AM4h12
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:51 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Luton to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $36.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$81

Average price

$25

Average price

Cheapest

$53

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 29m

Average total duration

4h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $25 (€20).

This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Cardiff:

A bus is $56 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Cardiff costing on average $81 (€65).

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 50m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 7m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 2h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $81 (€65) compared to roughly $53 (€43) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Luton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayC04211+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34615
On time
7:56 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h44
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04216+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC42175
On time
8:56 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h44
12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04221+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34621
On time
9:56 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h44
1:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04227+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34625
On time
10:55 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h45
2:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04234+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC42176
On time
11:56 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
3:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04241+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34631
On time
12:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
4:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04245+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34635
On time
1:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
5:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04252+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW35420
On time
2:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h44
6:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04259+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34641
On time
3:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
7:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04262+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC42180
On time
4:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
8:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04266+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC42181
On time
5:56 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h43
9:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04272+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34650
Delayed
7:26 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h59
10:27 PM 10:27 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04272+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34650
On time
7:26 PM Luton station (LUT)
4h01
11:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Sunday, May 31
ThameslinkC22685+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC50048_W354396:50 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h19
11:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Cardiff 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.

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May 31
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Jun 06

Why should you book Luton to Cardiff trains with Omio?

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

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 Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Cardiff.

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

The best time to book your train from Luton to Cardiff is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton to Cardiff 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 Luton to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 02:40, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 3h 6m.

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 $13 (€11)
Distance
121 miles (196 km)
Average train duration
2h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 6m
First train
2:40 AM
Last train
9:32 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
63 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 $13 (€11)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from $13 (€11). 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 6m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€29)
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

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
$217 (€175)
Thameslink frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

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

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food, cafes, or takeaway.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Luton to Cardiff

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Luton to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€29), while the average price is around $81 (€65).
The train from Luton to Cardiff takes 3h 6m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Luton to Cardiff is 121 miles (196 km).
The first train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 2:40 AM.
The last train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 9:32 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Luton to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Luton to Cardiff.
The train station in Luton that goes to Cardiff is Luton station (LUT), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $13 (€11).
The train journey from Luton to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic highlights including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and glimpses of the River Severn as you approach Cardiff.
A day trip from Luton to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 6m. However, there are 6 trips per day by train.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Luton to Cardiff.
Since neither Luton nor Cardiff 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 include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Cardiff 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.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant 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 Luton to Cardiff

Luton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Luton is Luton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luton for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Road Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front and rear entrances
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Coffee shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes

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