Luton to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Sat, Aug 29
+ 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, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

Cheapest price on Aug 29

$76

Average ticket price on Aug 29

$88

Fastest journey on Aug 29

3 h 7 m

Average journey duration on Aug 29

3 h 8 m

Trains on Aug 29

12

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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.

Fast trains

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

  • ThameslinkC02584+Great Western RailwayW34647+Elizabeth lineC38515
    5:59 PM3h12
    Luton station (LUT)
    9:11 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $761One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkC02580+Great Western RailwayW34625+Elizabeth lineC38381
    11:29 AM3h08
    Luton station (LUT)
    2:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkC02577+Elizabeth lineC38379+Great Western RailwayW34609
    6:29 AM3h07
    Luton station (LUT)
    9:36 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkC02611+Great Western RailwayW34615+Elizabeth lineC38535
    8:29 AM3h11
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:40 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkC02578+Great Western RailwayW34621+Elizabeth lineC38300
    10:29 AM3h08
    Luton station (LUT)
    1:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-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 an average ticket price of $54 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, while a train costs an average of $99.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$99

Average price

$54

Average price

Cheapest

$53

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 5m

Average total duration

4h 35m

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 $54.

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

A bus is $45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Cardiff costing on average $99.

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 0m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 35m.

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 the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $99 compared to roughly $53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-46.04. The journey takes 3h 0m versus 2h 57m 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.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Luton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW34648+ThameslinkW45377+Elizabeth lineC38317
Delayed
6:48 PM 6:29 PMLuton station (LUT)
3h09
9:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Saturday, August 29
ThameslinkC02669+Great Western RailwayW346055:08 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h29
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34609+ThameslinkC02577+Elizabeth lineC383796:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h07
9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42174+ThameslinkC02589+Elizabeth lineC384547:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h11
10:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34615+ThameslinkC02611+Elizabeth lineC385358:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h11
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42175+Elizabeth lineC38221+ThameslinkC025719:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h11
12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34621+ThameslinkC02578+Elizabeth lineC3830010:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h08
1:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34623+ThameslinkC02595+Elizabeth lineC3834010:59 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h18
2:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34625+ThameslinkC02580+Elizabeth lineC3838111:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h08
2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42176+ThameslinkC02569+Elizabeth lineC3846212:29 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h07
3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34647+Elizabeth lineC38515+ThameslinkC025845:59 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h12
9:11 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42181+ThameslinkC02572+Elizabeth lineC385526:29 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h08
9:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
ThameslinkC02654+Great Western RailwayW34650+Elizabeth lineC382377:29 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h12
10:41 PM 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.

Sat
Aug 29
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Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04

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.

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 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 but you can travel from only $15 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 2h 30m.

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 $15
Distance
121 miles (196 km)
Average train duration
3h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
$46
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 30m
First train
2:40 AM
Last train
9:32 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
14 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 $15

Train companies: Great Western Railway from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from $15. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$46
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

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

Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.

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 $46, while the average price is around $99.
The train from Luton to Cardiff takes 2h 30m 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 $15.
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 2h 30m. 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

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

Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Luton station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Luton to Cardiff leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LTWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min

Luton train station facilities and services

Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: 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.

Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UKAccessibility

Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JWWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre

Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · $1 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · $5 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · $2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · $5 · every ~7 min

Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: 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.

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