London to Cardiff from $17: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from London to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$17 by busBest price
212.4 kmDistance
1h 57m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from London to Cardiff with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $9 | $9 | $8 | $9 | $9 | $9 | $9 |
| Train | $54 | $52 | $55 | $49 | $54 | $58 | $52 |
Traveling From London to Cardiff
The journey from London to Cardiff reveals a fascinating contrast between London's bustling urban energy and Cardiff's relaxed culture, rich history, and inviting waterfront.
Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff
Cardiff boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and attractions.
Cardiff Bay
• Stunning waterfront views and attractions.
• Great dining options with fresh seafood.
Pontcanna
• Lush parks and tree-lined streets.
• Independent shops and cafes create a local charm.
Canton
• Vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
• Home to excellent local food markets.
Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions
Discover the ideal times to explore Cardiff's top attractions without the crowds.
Cardiff Castle
Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience before tours begin.
Cardiff Bay
Late afternoons on weekdays offer fewer visitors and stunning sunset views.
National Museum Cardiff
Weekday mornings are perfect for a peaceful exploration of the exhibits.
Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. Understanding seasonal variations can help you plan your trip effectively, as the light rain common in the region often gives way to vibrant, fresh landscapes.
Dining Recommendation in Cardiff
For a distinctive culinary experience, try the traditional Welsh dish of Cawl at The Potted Pig, where locally sourced ingredients take center stage in a hearty stew. Unlike London's diverse culinary scene, Cardiff’s dining offers a cozy atmosphere that embraces local heritage, inviting you to savor the flavors of Wales.
London - Cardiff operators
Explore transport companies operating between London and Cardiff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
https://www.gwr.com/
Train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central
Average Duration
1h 57mEstimated price
$85-190Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from London Victoria to Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music
Average Duration
3h 35mEstimated price
$22-35Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from London Victoria to Cardiff North Road
Average Duration
4h 10mEstimated price
$17-25Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228Website
https://www.blablacar.com
Other from London to Cardiff
Average Duration
3h 7mEstimated price
$12-26London to Cardiff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between London and Cardiff offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Driving from London to Cardiff takes you on a picturesque journey covering a distance of 243.0 km.
💰 Prices for the journey by car range from £36 to £59, offering a flexible and cost-effective travel option for your trip.
Average price
£35 - £58
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the M4 motorway, which is the main route from London to Cardiff, you'll find several service stations where fuel prices are approximately £1.60 per liter; popular stops include the Moto and Welcome Break services.
• Be mindful of restricted traffic zones in central Cardiff, such as the Cardiff City Centre and surrounding areas, where you might encounter a congestion charge; parking prices generally range from £10 to £20 per day depending on location, with options for off-street parking often being cheaper.
• Upon arrival in Cardiff, utilize navigation tools like Waze or Google Maps, which can assist you in avoiding any road closures and finding available parking; consider the NCP and Cardiff Council car parks as good options for convenient parking.
🚆 Traveling from London to Cardiff by train is a convenient option with direct services departing from Paddington and arriving at Cardiff Central, operating hourly every day. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes.
🛤️ The train route covers a distance of 233 km, offering a smooth and scenic journey between these two vibrant cities. With First Great Western Service operating the trains, travelers can relax and enjoy the ride while on board.
💷 Ticket prices for the London to Cardiff train vary from £67 to £150, making it an affordable and efficient way to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture that both London and Cardiff have to offer.
Departure Point
Paddington station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey from London to Cardiff mainly include catering options provided by Great Western Railway. They offer a range of food and drinks, including sandwiches, snacks, and hot and cold beverages. Look out for their on-board trolley service, particularly in First Class, for a more extensive selection and complimentary refreshments.
• The train service from London to Cardiff generally offers three seating options: Standard Class, First Class, and Seat Reservations in some cases. Standard Class is comfortable and affordable, while First Class provides larger seats, more legroom, and complimentary services. Always check with the operator, Great Western Railway, for updated seating arrangements and availability on their website at gwr.com
• Upon arrival at Cardiff Central Station, you’ll find excellent amenities, including the option to leave luggage at left luggage services located near the main concourse. There are also well-maintained restrooms available. Additionally, to reach Cardiff city center quickly, take the Cardiff Bus service, specifically bus routes 1 or 2, which operate frequently. Details on timetables can be accessed via the Cardiff Bus website at cardiffbus.com
🚌 The direct bus from London Victoria to Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete the journey.
🛣️ Route 1 offers a straightforward 4-hour trip covering a distance of 210 km from London to Cardiff via the Megabus M10, departing from Victoria Coach station and arriving at Cardiff University.
🚍 For a slightly longer but still convenient journey, Route 2 involves a transfer in Manchester and Swansea before reaching Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, with a total travel time of 4 hours and 35 minutes.
Departure Point
London Victoria station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at London Victoria Station at least 30 minutes before your bus departs, as it can get crowded; check the schedule on the FlixBus website for exact departure times: flixbus.com
• On your bus trip, consider packing snacks or purchasing some from the onboard vendors, as they may have limited food options; bring a light jacket as air conditioning can make the journey cooler.
• Upon arrival at Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, familiarize yourself with the local area by checking out the transport options; Cardiff city center is a short walk away, and you can map out bus stops for further exploration using this link: cardiff.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from London to Cardiff.
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The distance between London and Cardiff is approximately 212.4 km by air and 241.1 km by road. Traveling by train is the quickest option, taking approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes to reach Cardiff from London. Driving by car may take longer, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 36 minutes. Taking a bus is the slowest option, with an average travel time of 3 hours and 35 minutes from London to Cardiff.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from London to Cardiff is by rideshare, which can cost between £9 and £20. Although it takes slightly longer at 3 hours and 7 minutes, it offers a more affordable alternative. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to take the train, which takes only 1 hour and 54 minutes but can cost between £63 and £141.
The prices for a train ticket between London and Cardiff range from £63 to £141. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Cardiff and London range from £16 to £35.
To travel from London to Cardiff without using public transportation, you can consider carpooling options such as BlaBlaCar. This service allows you to share rides with others who are traveling in the same direction, making it convenient and cost-effective. The driving distance between London and Cardiff is approximately 241.4 km, and it takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes by car. The prices for carpooling options can vary, ranging from £35 to £59.
The best way to travel from London to Cardiff without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes and the cost ranges from £63 to £141.
Yes, there is a direct link between London and Cardiff. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, which takes approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes. Trains operate hourly and run every day. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service from Victoria Coach Station in London to Kingsway Stop GR in Cardiff, which takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cardiff. Currently, there are over 1134 hotels to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences. Prices start at £33 per night, offering a range of options for travelers.
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Trips to Cardiff
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