Trains from London to Cardiff Central
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London to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 2h 13m to travel from London to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 131 miles (211 km). There are normally 58 trains per day travelling from London to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £27.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:49 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 1h 43m | |
| Distance | 131 miles (211 km) | |
| Frequency | 58 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £27.20 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from London to Cardiff Central by train
Want to swap the English capital for the Welsh capital and looking for more information on the train journey from London to Cardiff Central? Start your journey with us!
Generally, the journey from London to Cardiff Central by train takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes, but can take just 1h and 47 minutes on the fastest services, with around 39 trains operating on this route each day. As there are direct services provided by Great Western Railway (GWR), you can sit back and make yourself comfortable as you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.
When travelling on this route, you’ll hop on a GWR train at London Paddington station. Once you’ve settled in your seat, you can start to enjoy the onboard amenities, including luggage space, power sockets, comfortable seating and family-sized tables. If you’d like to treat yourself, upgrade to First Class and you’ll take advantage of enhanced WiFi, reclining seats and complimentary food and drink. In less than two hours, you will have travel through 131 miles of English and Welsh countryside and arrive at Cardiff Central station.
As soon as you’ve left the station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Cardiff and you can start to explore the city. Head to Cardiff Castle to check out the Gothic architecture, or make your way to the National Museum Cardiff to learn more about Wales’ fascinating history. Want to see more of Wales? Read our guide to the best day trips from Cardiff for more inspiration.
If you’d like to save money on your train tickets, try travelling Off-Peak, as tickets tend to be cheaper compared to travelling at Peak times. Also, if you travel by train fairly frequently, why not get a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Keen to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Cardiff Central with us today. Just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to begin your journey. If you’d like to find more information about the journey from London to Cardiff Central, keep reading for timetables where you’ll see first and last train times, FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train fares.
*Single Standard Class ticket
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Cardiff Central take?
The average journey time by train between London and Cardiff Central is 2 hours and 13 minutes, with around 58 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Cardiff Central is 1 hour and 43 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Cardiff Central cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £27.20 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Cardiff Central?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Cardiff Central without having to change trains. There are 58 direct trains from London to Cardiff Central each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Cardiff Central leave?
The first train from London to Cardiff Central leaves at 04:23. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Cardiff Central leave?
The last train from London to Cardiff Central leaves at 22:49. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Cardiff Central by train?
Trains travelling from London to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 131 miles (211 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cardiff Central to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Cardiff Central.
Cheap train tickets from London to Cardiff Central
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Cardiff Central is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.