Watford to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Fri, Jun 05
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jun 05

Cheapest price

$71

Average price

$71

Fastest journey

3 h 8 m

Average duration

3 h 8 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

193 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Watford to Cardiff will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Watford for Cardiff on Fri, Jun 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .

On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 8 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Great Western Railway
    9:34 AM3h08
    Watford
    12:42 PMCardiff
    $711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Watford to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a train costs an average of $62.

Distance: 119 miles (193 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$78

Average price

$47

Average price

Cheapest

$54

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 46m

Average total duration

4h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

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

The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $47 (€38).

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

A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Cardiff costing on average $78 (€63).

The fastest way to travel from Watford to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 27m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford 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 19m sooner (2h 27m by train vs 2h 46m by car). Tickets start at around $78 (€63) compared to roughly $54 (€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

Watford to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Watford to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG14938+West Midlands TrainsW88161+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
Delayed
8:06 AM 8:02 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
3h38
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35065+TubeTube from Queens Park (London) to London Paddington+London OvergroundP02417+CrossCountryG01101
Delayed
8:32 AM 8:16 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
4h10
12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34618+West Midlands TrainsW88174+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
Delayed
9:05 AM 9:00 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
3h37
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35067+TubeTube from Queens Park (London) to London Paddington+London OvergroundL22363+CrossCountryG01102
Delayed
9:32 AM 9:15 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
4h10
1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG14957 · W35067+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+CrossCountryG01102
Delayed
9:30 AM 9:16 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
4h09
1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Watford 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.

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

Why should you book Watford to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Watford to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Cardiff.

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 Watford to Cardiff.

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 Watford to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Watford to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Watford to Cardiff run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:33. The fastest train covers the 119 miles (193 km) distance in 2h 59m.

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 $47 (€38)
Distance
119 miles (193 km)
Average train duration
2h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$62 (€50)
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
2h 59m
First train
5:07 AM
Last train
9:33 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
21 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 $47 (€38)

Train companies: Great Western Railway from Watford to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Watford and Cardiff from $47 (€38). 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 59m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
Great Western Railway frequency
15 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

Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple meal.
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 regular coffee.

Tipping culture

About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Watford to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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 Watford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $62 (€50), while the average price is around $78 (€63).
The train from Watford to Cardiff takes 2h 59m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Watford to Cardiff is 119 miles (193 km).
The first train from Watford to Cardiff leaves at 5:07 AM.
The last train from Watford to Cardiff leaves at 9:33 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Watford to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Watford to Cardiff.
The train station in Watford that goes to Cardiff is Watford Junction (WFJ), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $47 (€38).
The train journey from Watford to Cardiff offers a variety of scenery, including views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the River Severn before arriving in Cardiff.
A day trip from Watford to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 59m. However, trains run 12 times per day, and the distance is 119 miles (193 km).
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 Watford to Cardiff.
Since neither Watford 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford 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 Watford to Cardiff

Watford
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Watford is Watford Junction. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Watford Junction for your trip from Watford to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Station forecourt
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Watford Junction
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only
  • Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Watford High Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
  • Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Bushey Station
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
  • Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Bushey
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone

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