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  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 start at just £47.00*, with average fares around £33.34. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average

£33.34

From 07 Sep to 13 Sep

Cheapest

£47.00󰄽

On Mon 08 Sep

  • £51.00󰄽
    Sun07 Sep
  • Mon08 Sep
  • £47.00󰄽
    Tue09 Sep
  • £47.00󰄽
    Wed10 Sep
  • £47.00󰄽
    Thu11 Sep
  • £51.00󰄽
    Fri12 Sep
  • £47.00󰄽
    Sat13 Sep

London Paddington to Cardiff Central train times

Travelling from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, the fastest train takes 1h 55m with an average travel time of 1h 57m. With 17 daily trains, the first departs at 08:31 and the last at 23:33. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.

Mon

08 Sep

Tue

09 Sep

Wed

10 Sep

Thu

11 Sep

Fri

12 Sep

Sat

13 Sep

Sun

14 Sep

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

21:47

London Paddington

23:48

Cardiff Central
On time2h 1mGreat Western Railway
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23:33

London Paddington

06:21

Cardiff Central
On time6h 48mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets

23:33

London Paddington

07:47

Cardiff Central
On time8h 14mGreat Western Railway
Find tickets
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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 £47.00

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. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from London Paddington to Cardiff Central?

Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

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

Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare London Paddington to Cardiff Central train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!

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

The fastest train journey time from London Paddington to Cardiff Central is 1h 55m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

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

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London Paddington to Cardiff Central. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

1. How do I find London Paddington to Cardiff Central train timetables?

London Paddington to Cardiff Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.

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

Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

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 can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value 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?

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

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

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

£22.23

With 16-25 Railcard

£33.34

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

£22.23

With 26-30 Railcard

£33.34

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

£22.23

With Family & Friends Railcard

£33.34

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

£22.23

With Two Together Railcard

£33.34

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

£22.23

With Senior Railcard

£33.34

Without
Buy Senior Railcard

 Network Railcard Network Railcard

£22.23

With Network Railcard

£33.34

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.
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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.

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* 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.