Trains from Cardiff Central to London
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Cardiff Central to London by train
It takes an average of 2h 7m to travel from Cardiff Central to London by train, over a distance of around 131 miles (211 km). There are normally 49 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to London and tickets for this journey start from £27.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:06 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:20 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | London | |
| Journey time | From 1h 47m | |
| Distance | 131 miles (211 km) | |
| Frequency | 49 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £27.90 | |
| Train operators |
Travel by train from Cardiff Central to London in just 1h 47m
Want to travel from the Welsh capital to the English capital and need more information on how to take the train from Cardiff Central to London? Start your journey with us!
Usually, the train journey from Cardiff Central to London takes around 2h 19m, but can take just 1h 47m on the fastest services, with around 53 trains running on this route each day. As there are direct services available, you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to make any changes along the way.
When travelling on this route, you’ll board a Great Western Railway (GWR) train at Cardiff Central station. Once you’ve found a seat, you can enjoy the onboard amenities, including family-sized tables, power sockets and generous luggage allowances. If you like to travel in style, upgrade to First Class and take advantage of quieter coaches, free WiFi and complimentary snacks and refreshments. Before you know it, you’ll arrive promptly at London Paddington station.
Once you’ve arrived, you’re a short walk from some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Need some inspiration? Check out our guide to the 14 best things to do in London, including a walk through Hyde Park and a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Want to snap up the cheapest fares? Book an Off-Peak time, as tickets tend to be cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you’d like to save even more money, get a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Feeling ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to London with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view first and last train times. For more information, keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train fares.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to London? 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 Cardiff Central to London take?
The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and London is 2 hours and 7 minutes, with around 49 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 Cardiff Central and London by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to London is 1 hour and 47 minutes.
How much does the train from Cardiff Central to London cost?
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to London can start from as little as £27.90 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 Cardiff Central to London?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff Central to London without having to change trains. There are 49 direct trains from Cardiff Central to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Cardiff Central to London leave?
The first train from Cardiff Central to London leaves at 04:06. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cardiff Central to London leave?
The last train from Cardiff Central to London leaves at 21:20. 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 Cardiff Central and London by train?
Trains travelling from Cardiff Central to London 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 London to Cardiff Central. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Cardiff Central to London.
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to London
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 Cardiff Central to London 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.