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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jan 16
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
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 $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Cardiff on Fri, Jan 16, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 16 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Fri, Jan 16 the slowest trains will take 3 h 31 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.
08:26AM3h10
London Gatwick Airport11:36AMCardiff
$791One-way
0 transfers
07:55AM3h41
London Gatwick Airport11:36AMCardiff
$801One-way
0 transfers
10:13AM3h23
London Gatwick Airport01:36PMCardiff
$801One-way
0 transfers
07:52AM3h44
London Gatwick Airport11:36AMCardiff
$801One-way
0 transfers
08:19PM3h35
London Gatwick Airport11:54PMCardiff
$861One-way
0 transfers
09:59AM3h08
London Gatwick Airport01:07PMCardiff
$1611One-way
0 transfers
08:26AM3h10
London Gatwick Airport11:36AMCardiff
$791One-way
0 transfers
01:26PM3h10
London Gatwick Airport04:36PMCardiff
$1121One-way
0 transfers
10:13AM3h23
London Gatwick Airport01:36PMCardiff
$801One-way
0 transfers
06:36AM3h31
London Gatwick Airport10:07AMCardiff
$1031One-way
0 transfers
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 prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€75 Average price | €20 Average price Cheapest |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday, January 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:38 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:19 PM London Gatwick Airport | 3h17 | 4:36 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, January 16 | |||||
| 7:13 AM London Gatwick Airport | 5h22 | 12:35 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:02 AM London Gatwick Airport | 4h40 | 12:42 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:59 AM London Gatwick Airport | 3h08 | 1:07 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:13 AM London Gatwick Airport | 4h23 | 3:36 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Fri
Jan 16
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Jan 17
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Jan 22
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western and Southern 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 Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western and 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 Rail 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 Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of first_great_western and Southern to help you choose the right option for your journey 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 KingdomTrain Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff start from as low as $47 (€38) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $93 (€75) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 6 daily trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 4m but the average duration is 2h 51m
Train Operators
- Travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with Great Western Rail, first_great_western, and Southern
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Great Western Rail.
Stations & Schedule
- First train typically departs at 05:46 AM and the last at 08:19 PM
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 05:46 |
Last train 20:19 |
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 $16 (€13)
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 $16 (€13)
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western, Southern from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western, Southern trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
$54 (€44)
Great Western Rail frequency
6 a day
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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
$198 (€160)
first_great_western frequency
12 a day
Southern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 18m
Cheapest Price
$176 (€142)
Southern frequency
12 a day
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.
Train ticket prices from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $47 (€38), while the average price is around $93 (€75).
The train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff takes 3h 4m and runs 6 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 5:46 AM.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 8:19 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 $16 (€13).
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 4m. 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff
London
Cardiff
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
- 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
Most popular train connections from London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and London Gatwick Airport
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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