Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $118.
Distance: 117 miles (189 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m 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 Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS):
A bus is $100 (€80) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) costing on average $128 (€103).
Other travel options to Cathays (CYS) take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 38m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 18m by train vs 2h 21m by car). Tickets start at around $128 (€103) compared to roughly $51 (€41) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
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Why should you book Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Trains from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $118 (€95) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:51, the last at 08:51. The fastest train covers the 117 miles (189 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 117 miles (189 km) |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $118 (€95) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 7:51 AM |
Last train 8:51 AM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) and Cathays (CYS) from $25 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
FAQs: Trains from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) 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 Cathays (CYS), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
- Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place


