- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
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Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$141
Fastest journey
3h 36m
Average duration
4h 3m
Trains per day
31
Distance
40 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff:
A bus is $63 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff costing on average $84 (€69).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 54m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (2h 52m by train vs 3h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $84 (€69) compared to roughly $59 (€49) 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.
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W45398+ C38378+ W35061+ G01095 | On time 6:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h09 | 10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W45465+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ G14936 | On time 6:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h51 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15125 · G14936 | On time 7:00 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h37 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W45437+ C37246+ G14954 · G15495 | On time 7:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h03 | 11:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15126 · G14938 | On time 7:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h41 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W45435+ C37160+ G14956 · G15496 | On time 8:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h01 | 12:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W45478+ C38283+ W34618 | On time 8:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h50 | 12:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W45478+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ W34618 | On time 8:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h50 | 12:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W32906+ C37096+ G14957 · G15497 | On time 8:49 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h33 | 1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G77127_C93206+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W35417 | On time 8:52 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h44 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G88046+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ G14957 · G15497 | On time 8:55 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h27 | 1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G88046+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W35417 | On time 8:55 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h41 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15127 · W34618 | On time 9:00 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h36 | 12:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G26287+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W35067+ G01102 | On time 9:02 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h23 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W45424+ C38339+ G14957 · G15497 | On time 9:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h06 | 1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15128 · W35417 | On time 9:30 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h06 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C82358+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W35417 | On time 9:43 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h53 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W45479+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ W35417 | On time 9:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h50 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15129 · W35417 | On time 9:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h37 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W45428+ C38422+ G14958 · G15498 | On time 10:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h00 | 2:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15130 · W34624 | 10:29 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h08 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C82367+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W34624 | On time 10:43 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h54 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15131 · W35071+ G01109 | On time 10:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h26 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W45425+ C38505+ W35071+ G01109 | On time 11:16 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h09 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W45467+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ W35418 | On time 11:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h50 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15133 · W35418 | On time 11:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h37 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W45434+ C38581+ G14962 · G15500 | On time 12:16 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h00 | 4:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W45474+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ W34630 | On time 12:46 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h52 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15135 · W34630 | On time 12:59 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h39 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W32950+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ W34634 | On time 1:02 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h35 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G26310+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ G14964 · G15501 | On time 1:02 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h20 | 5:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:46, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 6:46 AM |
Last train 9:19 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains use the London Paddington to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff 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.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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