London, Greater London to Cardiff, South Glamorgan 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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| 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 route from London to Cardiff showcases a shift from the bustling energy of a cosmopolitan city to the relaxed charm of Wales' capital, offering you a refreshing contrast in experiences.
Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff
Cardiff boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Cardiff Bay
• Home to stunning waterfront views.
• Features excellent dining and entertainment options.
Pontcanna
• Known for its leafy streets and cafes.
• Offers a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Roath
• Boasts beautiful Roath Park and the lake.
• Hosts a variety of independent shops and eateries.
Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions
Timing your visit to Cardiff's attractions can vastly improve your experience.
Cardiff Castle
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
National Museum Cardiff
Weekday visits around lunchtime often mean fewer visitors.
Cardiff Bay
Evenings during the weekdays offer a peaceful atmosphere by the waterfront.
Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers making it pleasant year-round. Visiting between late spring and early autumn can enhance your experience, as the weather tends to be drier and more enjoyable for outdoor activities.
Dining Recommendation in Cardiff
Savor the rich flavors of a traditional Welsh cawl at the iconic The Early Bird, where you can experience the warmth of Welsh hospitality amid a cozy atmosphere. This hearty stew, filled with local vegetables and tender meat, offers a comforting taste of Welsh culture, distinctively different from London’s diverse culinary scene.
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.
🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from London to Cardiff, covering a driving distance of 151 miles.
💷 Plan your budget accordingly, as the cost of driving from London to Cardiff typically ranges from £36 to £59. Make sure to factor in fuel, tolls, and any additional expenses for a smooth trip.
Average price
£35 - £58
🛤️ The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route between London and Cardiff. With a distance of 233 km, the train ride offers a comfortable and stress-free travel experience, with prices ranging from £67 to £150 for a ticket.
Departure Point
Paddington station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary by operator, but both Great Western Railway (GWR) and Transport for Wales offer catering options. GWR features a Cafe Bar with a range of snacks, beverages, and hot meals, all available for purchase at your seat or from the counter. Transport for Wales provides light refreshments and typically has snack trolleys that pass through. Check the operator’s website for the latest updates on onboard services.
• When booking your ticket, you can choose from different seat options depending on the operator. Great Western Railway offers Standard Class and First Class. Standard Class has comfortable seating with ample legroom, while First Class provides more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and access to a quieter environment. Transport for Wales also has Standard Class and First Class options, with First Class providing additional amenities like newspapers and a more premium experience.
• The main operators on the London to Cardiff route are Great Western Railway (GWR) and Transport for Wales. You can visit their websites for more information and booking: Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales. For local transport options in Cardiff, check out Cardiff Council for bus and train schedules, and refer to the Cardiff Central Station map for navigating the station.
🚌 The bus journey from London to Cardiff takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes with services departing every three hours and operating daily. The route is direct, starting from London Victoria and ending at Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music.
🛣️ Covering a distance of 210 km, the bus trip offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities at an affordable price ranging from £13 to £20. The FlixBus service ensures a comfortable ride from the bustling capital of London to the vibrant city of Cardiff.
🎟️ For those seeking alternative routes, there is a transfer option via Manchester and Swansea, taking an extended duration of 4 hours and 35 minutes. However, the direct London to Cardiff bus remains the quickest and straightforward choice for travelers looking to explore the Welsh capital.
Departure Point
London Victoria station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to book your tickets in advance through FlixBus or Megabus to secure the best fares, especially during peak travel times; you can do so at FlixBus or Megabus.
• During your bus journey, plan for potential traffic delays particularly on the M4 motorway, so consider bringing a book or downloading some shows to ensure you have an enjoyable ride without feeling too rushed.
• Upon arriving at Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, familiarize yourself with the nearby public transport options; the college is well-connected, and you can easily catch buses or trams to various destinations around Cardiff; for schedules, check Cardiff Bus.
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 132 miles, or 149.8 miles by road. Traveling by train is the fastest option, taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes to reach Cardiff from London. If you choose to drive, the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes, while taking the bus can take approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes. Consider the mode of transportation that best suits your preferences for speed, convenience, and comfort.
For cost-effective travel from London to Cardiff, ridesharing is the cheapest option, with prices ranging from £9 to £20. It takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, for a quicker journey, the train is the most time-efficient option, taking just 1 hour and 54 minutes. Although it is more expensive, with costs ranging from £63 to £141, it offers a faster and more convenient way to reach Cardiff from London.
The prices for train tickets from London to Cardiff range from £63 to £141, depending on the class and type of ticket chosen. On the other hand, the prices for bus tickets from Cardiff to London range from £16 to £35. It is recommended to check and compare prices from different providers or booking platforms to find the best deal.
To travel from London to Cardiff without using public transportation, you can consider using carpooling services such as Blablacar. This allows you to share the ride with someone who is driving that route and split the cost. The driving distance between London and Cardiff is approximately 150 miles, and it takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to drive. Prices for carpooling from London to Cardiff can vary from £35 to £59 depending on the service and the number of passengers.
The best way to travel from London to Cardiff without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes. The train ticket costs between £63 and £141 depending on the type of ticket and time of travel. Trains provide a convenient and comfortable option for transportation between the two cities.
Yes, there is a direct link between London and Cardiff. You can take a train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, which departs hourly and takes approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Victoria Coach Station in London to Kingsway Stop GR in Cardiff, which also departs hourly and has a travel time of around 3 hours and 35 minutes. Both options provide convenient and direct transportation between the two cities.
There are various options for accommodation near Cardiff. With over 1134 hotels available, there is a wide range to choose from to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels start at £33, providing affordable options for travelers. It is advisable to do research on specific hotels and their locations to find the best fit for your needs during your stay near Cardiff.
Trips from London
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Trips to Cardiff
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