Trains from London Paddington to Cardiff Central
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London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 2h 21m to travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 129 miles (208 km). There are normally 46 trains per day travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £21 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:57 | |
| Departure station | London Paddington | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 1h 47m | |
| Distance | 129 miles (208 km) | |
| Frequency | 46 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £21 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from London Paddington to Cardiff? Look no further.
The train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central usually takes around 2h 13m but can take just 1h 47m on the fastest services, with around 39 trains running on this popular route every day. There’s no need for any changes along the way either, as there are direct trains available to your destination.
Great Western Railway is the main operator on this route. Free WiFi is available on most services, as well as hot and cold drinks and snacks on their high-speed services. Want to travel in style? Why not upgrade to GWR First Class – from comfy seats with extra space to tasty complimentary nibbles and drinks, there are endless benefits you can enjoy on board.
Want to get the best train deals? Travel Off-Peak – we’ll highlight the cheapest Off-Peak train tickets from London Paddington to Cardiff in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’re travelling by train quite frequently, why not get a Railcard? You'll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year!
If you’re feeling ready to book, start a search for cheap train tickets with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from London Paddington to Cardiff Central.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London Paddington 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 Paddington to Cardiff Central take?
The average journey time by train between London Paddington and Cardiff Central is 2 hours and 21 minutes, with around 46 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 Paddington and Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central is 1 hour and 47 minutes.
How much does the train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central cost?
Train ticket prices from London Paddington to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £21 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 Paddington to Cardiff Central?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central without having to change trains. There are 46 direct trains from London Paddington 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 Paddington to Cardiff Central leave?
The first train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central leaves at 04:23. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central leave?
The last train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central leaves at 22:57. 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 Paddington and Cardiff Central by train?
Trains travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 129 miles (208 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 Paddington.
Cheap train tickets from London Paddington 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 Paddington 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.