- Recommended
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Local aviation museum at Gatwick displaying airport and aircraft history. A strong choice for understanding the area’s defining industry.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$83
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$118
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 39 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Horley is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Horley will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Horley, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 213 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Horley among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, while a train costs an average of $124.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$124 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Horley:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Horley costing on average $124 (€101).
Other travel options to Horley take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 52m.
Tickets start at around $124 (€101) compared to roughly $59 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-64.33 (€-52.61). The journey takes 3h 18m versus 3h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Horley trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35172 · C42345+ C02578 | On time 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 12:02 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
W35172+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ C02578 | On time 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 12:02 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
C42256 · W34475 · C42346+ C02595 | On time 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h05 | 12:32 PM Horley station (HOR) | 3 transfers | |
C42289+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ C02580 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h43 | 1:02 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
W35181+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ C02630 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 3:02 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
W35181 · C42350+ C02576 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h12 | 2:32 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
W35184 · C42352+ C02597 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h12 | 3:32 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
W35184+ W45684+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h23 | 3:43 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
C42291+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45654 | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h23 | 4:43 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
C42291 · C42354+ C02615 | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h12 | 4:32 PM Horley station (HOR) | 2 transfers | |
C42264 · W34501 · C42356+ C02583 | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h02 | 5:32 PM Horley station (HOR) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Horley run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:16, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€51) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 4:16 AM |
Last train 10:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Horley — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Horley trip today.
Local aviation museum at Gatwick displaying airport and aircraft history. A strong choice for understanding the area’s defining industry.
Major county museum in nearby Reigate with archaeology, art, and local history collections in a historic setting.
Museum in Crawley tracing local heritage from ancient times to the new town era. Good for broader regional context.
Horley’s principal green space with play areas, sports facilities, and paths. A popular everyday park for relaxing outdoors.
Landscaped park with lakes and walking routes beside Gatwick. Excellent for plane spotting, exercise, and accessible fresh air.
Riverside green corridor with paths and wildlife interest. A pleasant local walk that contrasts with nearby airport activity.
A classic full English breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple across Surrey and Sussex area pubs, cafés and hotels.
Beer-battered local cod or haddock with chips. A beloved British comfort meal commonly eaten in Horley pubs and takeaways near Gatwick.
Sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. This hearty pub dish is a long-standing everyday favourite in southern England.
Well-regarded contemporary Indian restaurant serving polished curries and tandoori dishes in a smart, comfortable setting in Horley.
Historic pub and hotel in central Horley known for British pub classics, cask ales and a traditional atmosphere close to the station.
Popular Turkish restaurant offering grilled meats, meze and warm service in a relaxed dining room near Horley town centre.
Moderate for South East England. Hotels near Gatwick can be pricey, but dining and local transit are generally similar to other UK airport towns.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes: small change optional.
Official public transport app
Horley Railway Station -> Horley Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Horley by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Horley, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Horley trains use the Cardiff Central to Gatwick Airport station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Horley train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Horley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Horley.
Wi-Fi is available at Horley. ATMs are available at Horley.
Ticket office support is available at Horley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Horley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Horley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Horley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need