Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 59m. 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 $10, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price |
3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Travel optionsfrom London to Cardiff
How to get from London to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from London to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBusCheapest
FlixBusFastest
P22624Other options
P22623
P22621
P22622
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusFind all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
How to Travel from London to Cardiff
The most straightforward way to travel in the UK from London to Cardiff is the fast train from London Paddington which pulls into to Cardiff Central railway station. For those who prefer to travel by road, National Express buses make the trip along the M4 frequently. Journey times are up to 4 hours by bus, half that by train and half that again by air.
Trains from London to Cardiff | Buses from London to Cardiff | Flights from London to Cardiff
London to Cardiff Travel Comparison
Average Price |
Travel Time |
Cheapest Time to Book |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
€9 |
3:10 h |
1 Month Ahead |
|
€44 |
2:00 h |
2 Months Ahead |
|
€73 |
1:10 h |
2 Weeks Ahead |
What is the best way to travel from London to Cardiff?
Cheapest way to travel from London to Cardiff
![]()
Taking a bus is the cheapest way to travel from London to Cardiff. Buses traveling from London to Cardiff depart from London's Victoria Coach Station and taking at least 3 hours to arrive at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens bus station. Over 30 buses travel from London to Cardiff per day, with the earliest departing London at 6:13 a.m. All buses that travel from London to Cardiff are operated by National Express.
Fastest way to travel from London to Cardiff
![]()
Technically taking a flight is the fastest way to travel from London to Cardiff; however, when travel time to and from London and Cardiff's airports is taken into consideration, taking a train is actually the fastest way to travel. Additionally, there is only 1 direct flight between London and Cardiff per day. Trains traveling from London to Cardiff depart from London's Paddington train station and take 2 hours to arrive at Cardiff's Central train station. All trains traveling from London to Cardiff are operated by First Great Western with 10 trains departing London per day.
Most popular way to travel from London to Cardiff

Taking the train is the most popular way to travel from London to Cardiff. Taking the train is over an hour faster than traveling from London to Cardiff by bus and 4 hours faster than taking a flight when travel time to and from London and Cardiff's airports is taken into consideration. Trains are also €29 cheaper than flights on average. Buses remain an attractive option for travelers trying to save some money while traveling.
How to get from London to Cardiff
The Best Way According to our Users
More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.
FAQs: Travel from London to Cardiff
Travel to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from London to Cardiff.

This is compared to other travel options from London to Cardiff:
A bus is $42 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cardiff costing on average $52 (€41).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
- Around 45 buses per day.
- Around 13 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between London and Cardiff as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from London Paddington (PAD) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Buses mostly depart from London, Victoria Coach Station and arrive in Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
- Ferries mostly depart from West Cowes and arrive in Southampton Vehicle Ferry Terminal.
- Travel with Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western to go to Cardiff by train.
- Travel with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus to go to Cardiff by bus.
- 12 direct trains per day with Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
- 38 direct buses per day with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Travelling from London to Cardiff: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

