Book Cheaper Tickets

Book Cheaper Tickets

Save more with various vouchers. Book on TrainPal App with no booking fee.

Efficient Customer Service

Efficient Customer Service

24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries

Easy Travel With E-Tickets

Easy Travel With E-Tickets

E-tickets make travel easy and carbon-saving compared with paper tickets.

Fast Change and Refund

Fast Change and Refund

Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.

London to Cardiff train ticket prices

Travelling from London to Cardiff by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £17.35*, with average fares of £29.35. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.

London to Cardiff train times

Journey from London to Cardiff on the fastest train in 1h 43m, usually 2h 23m. Every day, 37 trains leave from London, starting at 05:23 and ending at 23:32. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.

󱒃
  • Fri

    22 Nov

  • Sat

    23 Nov

  • Sun

    24 Nov

  • Mon

    25 Nov

  • Tue

    26 Nov

  • Wed

    27 Nov

  • Thu

    28 Nov

󱒃
DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

23:32

London Paddington

06:21

Cardiff Central
On time

6h 49m

Great Western Railway
Find tickets

23:32

London Paddington

06:47

Cardiff Central
On time

7h 15m

Great Western Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

London to Cardiff Train journey information

Effortlessly plan your journey from London to Cardiff. Discover the earliest and latest train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, travel duration, and pricing options to enhance your trip.

First train
05:23
Last train
23:32
Departure station
London
Arrival station
Cardiff
Distance
131 miles (211 km)
Journey time
From 1h 43m
Price
From £17.35
Train operators
Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry

Direct train route from London to Cardiff

The direct train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central takes around 2h 23m and covers an average distance of 211 km. From 05:23 to 23:32, there are 37 trains running every day.

Departing from London Paddington

The best train from London to Cardiff departs from London Paddington, located on Praed Street and connects with the London Underground. You can easily reach this station by train, bus, taxi, bike or Underground.

Operated by GWR, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, London Paddington Station connects to other major destinations like Oxford, Shenfield and Heathrow Airport by train. It also links to the London Underground system, including the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Bakerloo and District lines.

Main stops

Here are the main stops, which may vary due to different times, train operators, and routes:

  • Reading
  • Swindon (Wilts)
  • Bristol Parkway
  • Newport (South Wales)

Arriving at Cardiff Central

The best train from London to Cardiff arrives at Cardiff Central, the main railway station located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.

Cardiff Central railway station is situated in Central Square, making it highly accessible from various parts of the city. The station is well-served by local public transport, including buses and taxis, ensuring convenient travel options for all visitors.

From Cardiff Central, you can easily visit popular attractions such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium, both located nearby.

Cardiff Central is a vital transport hub, offering both local and long-distance train services. Major train operators at Cardiff Central include Transport for Wales, GWR, and CrossCountry. The station provides excellent connections to various destinations across the UK, including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Chester, Nottingham, and Manchester.

GWR trains from London to Cardiff

Travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central with GWR in around 1h50m. During this journey, you might see a variety of landscapes, such as modern buildings, the River Thames, vast countryside and farmlands, or some rolling hills and green spaces.

Travel with GWR’s high-speed trains to destinations including London, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Oxford. Benefit from first-class amenities, featuring high-speed WiFi, complimentary meals, and access to First Class lounges for a superior travel experience.

GWR Standard Class

Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:

  • Free WiFi
  • Plug sockets
  • Comfy seats

GWR First Class

High-quality first-class services on board. Onboard services include:

  • Free WiFi
  • Plug sockets
  • Quieter carriages
  • Free food and drink
  • First Class lounges

Travel with GWR

Quickly learn about the services on GWR to enjoy a comfortable journey.

  • Luggage: Up to three items: two large and one small. Large items maximum 25x40x70 cm. Additional luggage may incur charges.
  • Bicycles: Best to book ahead. Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes not allowed 07:45-09:45 or 16:30-19:00 weekdays.
  • Children: Bring folding strollers; baby changing facilities on all trains. Priority boarding at London Paddington, 9am-5pm weekdays.
  • Pets: Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals, for free. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
  • Passenger Assist: Accessible toilets, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and priority seat cards available on all trains.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from London to Cardiff

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

£19.57

With 16-25 Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

£19.57

With 26-30 Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

£19.57

With Family & Friends Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

£19.57

With Two Together Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

£19.57

With Senior Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy Senior Railcard

 Network Railcard Network Railcard

£19.57

With Network Railcard

£29.35

Without
Buy Network Railcard

How to buy cheap London to Cardiff train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

<a href='/split-ticket'>Split tickets</a>

Split tickets

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/advance-train-tickets">Book in advance</a>

Book in advance

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/off-peak-and-super-off-peak-train-tickets">Off-Peak train tickets</a>

Off-Peak train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
<a href='/railcard-guide'>Use a Railcard</a>

Use a Railcard

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/train-season-tickets">Save with Season Tickets</a>

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/groupsave-train-tickets">Travel in groups</a>

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄶
󰄽
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.
󰉮

Download TrainPal App
Enjoy More Savings on Train Travels

With its high rating, efficient service, user-friendly interface and reliable booking process, the TrainPal app makes planning and booking your train journeys easy and convenient. This ensures that you have the best possible experience at the lowest possible cost.

New user welcome pack

No booking fees

Great deals and vouchers

Coach and flight booking available

👆Scan the QR code with camera

Download TrainPal App
Enjoy More Savings on Train Travels

New user welcome pack

No booking fees

Great deals and vouchers

Coach and flight booking available