Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*

Book Cheaper Tickets

Book Cheaper Tickets

Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.

Efficient Customer Service

Efficient Customer Service

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

Fast Change and Refund

Fast Change and Refund

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

  1. Home
  2. UK Train Journey
  3. London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains

London Paddington to Cardiff Central train ticket prices

For a train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, Advance Tickets are available starting at €36.68*, with the average fare being €40.18. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average

€40.18

From 28 Sep to 04 Oct

Cheapest

€36.68󰄽

On Wed 01 Oct

  • €58.46󰄽
    Sun28 Sep
  • €48.15󰄽
    Mon29 Sep
  • €58.46󰄽
    Tue30 Sep
  • Wed01 Oct
  • €36.68󰄽
    Thu02 Oct
  • €36.68󰄽
    Fri03 Oct
  • €53.88󰄽
    Sat04 Oct

London Paddington to Cardiff Central train times

From London Paddington to Cardiff Central, take the fastest train in 1h 55m, typically 1h 58m. Daily, 18 trains depart from London Paddington, with the first at 08:31 and the last at 23:33. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.

Sun

28 Sep

Mon

29 Sep

Tue

30 Sep

Wed

01 Oct

Thu

02 Oct

Fri

03 Oct

Sat

04 Oct

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

11:38

London Paddington

13:34

Cardiff Central
On time1h 56mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets

12:38

London Paddington

14:35

Cardiff Central
On time1h 57mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets

13:38

London Paddington

15:39

Cardiff Central
On time2h 1mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets

14:08

London Paddington

16:12

Cardiff Central
On time2h 4mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets

14:38

London Paddington

16:34

Cardiff Central
On time1h 56mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

London Paddington to Cardiff Central Train journey information

Plan your journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

First train
08:31
Last train
23:33
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
129 miles (208 km)
Journey time
1h 55m
Price
From €36.68
Train operators

Great Western Railway: London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains

It takes, on average, around one hour and forty-nine minutes to get from London Paddington to Cardiff Central with Great Western Railway (GWR). On your journey, you will glide across the breadth of England and into Wales, heading from London in the east to Cardiff in the west.

Great Western Railway provides services to the West of England and South Wales and inter-city trains to West London and the greater Thames Valley.

Departing from London Paddington

Paddington Station sits between Notting Hill in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Marylebone in the City of Westminster. This key station on the British rail network, served by Great Western Railway, the Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express, acts as the terminus for the Great Western Mainline. It connects London with the west of England, destinations in Wales such as Swansea and Cardiff Central, and provides commuting and regional passenger services in West London and the Thames Valley region.

Being a central London railway station, it’s easy to get to. Paddington Station has a dedicated London Underground station that runs on the Circle, District, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City lines. The station is conveniently served by local taxis and buses, making it simple and easy to catch your train.

Main stops

When travelling with GWR from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, the route usually includes four stations: Reading, Swindon, Bristol Parkway, and Newport.

However, this may change, so it's best to double-check before travelling. Scheduling changes, poor weather, and construction work may cause stops to change, sometimes at short notice.

To buy cheap train tickets, use sites like TrainPal to find the best fares, apply for a Railcard for extra discounts, and book your journey in advance.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

The train from London Paddington will arrive at Cardiff Central, the Welsh capital’s main station. Located on Central Square, it allows passengers to access Cardiff City Centre promptly. If you need to travel around the city or the wider metropolitan area, Cardiff Bus Station is conveniently located on Central Square. There is a taxi rank situated on Saunders Road, just off Central Square, too.

You’ll want to make use of Cardiff’s great public transport network, too, as there’s so much to do in the city. Being one of the UK’s four capitals, there’s a lot of history to explore. Cardiff Castle, St Fagans National Museum of History, and the National Museum Cardiff are all excellent places to start. If you feel like shopping, then head to one of the city’s moniker Victorian arcades. If you don’t mind travelling further afield, then the Wales Millennium Centre is a great place to visit for shopping, pubs, restaurants, and cultural activities.

There are three main train operators at Cardiff Central. These are Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and CrossCountry, providing train services to places like Swansea, Taunton, Nottingham, and Manchester Piccadilly.

Great Western Railway train classes

  • Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
  • First Class: First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive dining options. It also offers access to First-Class lounges at London Paddington station.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

  • Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.  Under-seat and overhead storage provide generous space for cabin-sized carry-ons, laptop bags, and handbags.
  • Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
  • Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space.
  • Children: Under 5s can travel for free, and children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
  • Passenger assist: Helps with journey planning, ticketing, seat and wheelchair space booking, boarding and alighting with ramps, station navigation, and luggage handling. Booking in advance is recommended for a seamless experience.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

London Paddington to Cardiff Central train travel guide

The train journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London Paddington, you can get to Cardiff Central in just 1h 55m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

1. How can I find cheap train tickets from London Paddington to Cardiff Central?

Want to spend less on the journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central? TrainPal can help: choose a Railcard, Season Tickets, or split tickets. Book in advance, travel off-peak, and use discount codes for extra savings. Explore more options for cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. What is the best way to travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from London Paddington to Cardiff Central.

3. What is the best way to travel from London Paddington to Cardiff Central by train?

The quickest train journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central takes 1h 55m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.

4. Are there direct trains from London Paddington to Cardiff Central?

No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff Central. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

1. Are London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

While London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London Paddington to Cardiff Central is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.

2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

3. Do London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from London Paddington to Cardiff Central are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company

4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from London Paddington to Cardiff Central

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

€26.79

With 16-25 Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

€26.79

With 26-30 Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

€26.79

With Family & Friends Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

€26.79

With Two Together Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

€26.79

With Senior Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy Senior Railcard

 Network Railcard Network Railcard

€26.79

With Network Railcard

€40.18

Without
Buy Network Railcard
Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

How to buy cheap London Paddington to Cardiff Central train tickets

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

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

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.