Luton to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Sat, Nov 29
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Dec 01

Cheapest price

$79

Average price

$95

Fastest journey

3 h 6 m

Average duration

3 h 12 m

Trains per day

5

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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.

Fast trains

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

ThameslinkY36691+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailP08242
09:59AM3h17
Luton station (LUT)
01:16PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$791One-way
2 transfers
ThameslinkY36686+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailP08241
09:29AM3h07
Luton station (LUT)
12:36PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$841One-way
2 transfers
ThameslinkY36696+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailP08243
10:29AM3h06
Luton station (LUT)
01:35PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$841One-way
2 transfers
ThameslinkY36677+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailP08239
08:27AM3h13
Luton station (LUT)
11:40AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1151One-way
2 transfers
East Midlands TrainsY07318+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailP08240
08:55AM3h15
Luton station (LUT)
12:10PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1151One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 47m. 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 €12, and a train costs an average of €25.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€67

Average price

€21

Average price

Cheapest

3h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 52m

Average total duration

5h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Luton to Cardiff train times

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

Last updated at 1:57 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
thameslinkY37194+assertis_tubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+great_westernC27475
On time
8:59 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h34
12:33 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
thameslinkX02206+east_midlands_railwayY07017+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+great_westernC27475
On time
9:16 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h17
12:33 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
thameslinkX02415+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+great_westernC27559
On time
10:12 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h22
1:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
thameslinkX02203+east_midlands_railwayY07021+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+great_westernC27559
On time
10:16 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h18
1:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
thameslinkX02411+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+great_westernC27467
On time
11:12 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h22
2:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
thameslinkX02252+tfl_railF00385+great_westernC27468
On time
12:06 PM Luton station (LUT)
3h33
3:39 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 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.

Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07

Why should you book Luton to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail operates all train services from Luton to Cardiff. Omio is the only official third party seller for Great Western Rail tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

  • 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 Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Great Western Rail tickets can only be bought on Omio or Great Western Rail's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Great Western Rail tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Great Western Rail tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train 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 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 02:33, the last at 21:44. The fastest train covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 3h 2m.

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 (€12)
Distance
121 miles (196 km)
Average train duration
2h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
$31 (€25)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
02:33
Last train
21:44
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 (€12)

Train companies: Great Western Rail from Luton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail trains will get you between Luton and Cardiff from $15 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

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 2m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
Great Western Rail frequency
5 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 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
The distance by train from Luton to Cardiff is 121 miles (196 km).
Train ticket prices from Luton to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $31 (€25), while the average price is around $83 (€67).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The first train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 2:33 AM.
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.
The train from Luton to Cardiff takes 3h 2m and runs 6 per day.
The last train from Luton to Cardiff leaves at 9:44 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Cardiff.
The train station in Luton that goes to Cardiff is Luton station (LUT), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
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.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Luton to Cardiff.
A day trip from Luton to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 2m. However, there are 6 trips per day by train.
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.
There is no high speed train available from Luton to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Luton to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Luton to Cardiff

Luton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Luton is Leagrave. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leagrave for your trip from Luton to Cardiff.
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
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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone