London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Aug 30
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Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Southern
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Southern
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 30

Cheapest price on Aug 30

$86

Average ticket price on Aug 30

$123

Fastest journey on Aug 30

3 h 8 m

Average journey duration on Aug 30

3 h 17 m

Trains on Aug 30

6

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff without transferring at least once.

  • SouthernC82253+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC01227
    9:15 AM3h19
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    12:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $861One-way
    2 transfers
  • SouthernG26398+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC50047
    10:29 AM4h06
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    2:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $861One-way
    2 transfers
  • SouthernC82257+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC01226
    10:15 AM3h19
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    1:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $861One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC33160 · C01228
    7:59 AM3h29
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    11:28 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1591One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC33162 · C01227
    9:26 AM3h08
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    12:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1591One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

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 an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, while a train costs an average of $78.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$78

Average price

$20

Average price

Cheapest

$61

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 20m

Average total duration

4h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 8m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $20 (€16).

This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff:

A bus is $58 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff costing on average $78 (€63).

The fastest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 56m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 3h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $78 (€63) compared to roughly $61 (€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.

Live departures

London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42379 · C42175+ThameslinkW45708
On time
9:19 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h21
12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42175+ThameslinkW45708+Elizabeth lineC38221
Delayed
9:48 AM 9:19 AMGatwick Airport (GTW)
3h21
12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Sunday, August 30
Great Western RailwayC33160 · C012287:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h29
11:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff by train or bus

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.

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Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern and more offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. 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 07:10, the last at 13:56. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 3h 1m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€10)
Distance
131 miles (212 km)
Average train duration
2h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€34)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
3h 1m
First train
7:10 AM
Last train
1:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€10)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$41 (€34)
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
$202 (€164)
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
$196 (€159)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
15 a day

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Southern Price
$221 (€179)
Southern frequency
8 a day

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from London Gatwick Airport to 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $41 (€34), while the average price is around $78 (€63).
The train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff takes 3h 1m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is 131 miles (212 km).
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 7:10 AM.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 1:56 PM.
There is no high speed train available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $12 (€10).
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff offers a varied landscape, transitioning from urban settings to the rolling countryside of South Wales, with stretches of scenic views, especially as the train approaches the Cardiff area.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 1m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 131 miles (212 km) distance.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Since neither London Gatwick Airport nor Cardiff are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Cardiff include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

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.

Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central 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 and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · $2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and London Gatwick Airport

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to CardiffLondon Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train

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