- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
3 h 38 m
Average duration
3 h 45 m
Trains per day
43
Distance
212 km
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 $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
W34634+
C38307+
W45476
W34630+
C38228+
W45474
Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+
W34624+
W45493
W35418+
C38542+
W45467
W35417+
C38380+
W45479
G15131 · W34624
G15139 · W34637
G14934+
C38337+
W45477
W35418+
C38542+
W45467
W35417+
C38380+
W45479Omio 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 $42.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$85 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $61 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 $64 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff costing on average $85 (€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 $85 (€69) 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.
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W45814+ C50048_W35439+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington | On time 6:35 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h34 | 11:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01228+ C82969+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | Delayed 8:31 AM 7:50 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h25 | 12:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01227+ C82973+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | Delayed 9:20 AM 8:45 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h06 | 12:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01226+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C82255 | Delayed 10:20 AM 9:46 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h11 | 1:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50047+ C82259+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | Delayed 11:20 AM 10:45 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h08 | 2:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C00840+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C82263 | Delayed 12:20 PM 11:45 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h11 | 3:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50040+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C82267 | Delayed 1:20 PM 12:45 PMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h13 | 4:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W45792+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+ C50042 | On time 12:53 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 5h03 | 5:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50042+ C82271+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | Delayed 2:20 PM 1:45 PMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h11 | 5:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50043+ C82275+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | Delayed 3:20 PM 2:45 PMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h12 | 6:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W34659+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ G26323 | Delayed 4:20 PM 2:59 PMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h59 | 7:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C82279+ W34659+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | On time 3:45 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h13 | 7:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C82283+ C50045+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | On time 4:45 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h08 | 8:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C82287+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C50039 | On time 5:45 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h10 | 9:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G26454+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C01225 | On time 6:31 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h23 | 10:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C82291+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C01225 | On time 6:45 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h09 | 10:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G26346+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ W34734 · C48935 | On time 6:59 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h47 | 11:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4 transfers | |
C01224+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ G26107 | Delayed 8:45 PM 8:15 PMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h05 | 12:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
W45590+ W35415 | On time 2:45 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 5h54 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
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 $42 (€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 $42 (€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.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.
Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.
Waterside district with modern landmarks, walking routes, public art, and some of the city’s most shared photo spots.
Large central park behind Cardiff Castle, ideal for riverside walks, picnics, and easy access to historic sites.
Historic Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades that give central Cardiff much of its character. Excellent for walking and architecture lovers.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’ most iconic comfort foods.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. It is a staple pub and cafe dish in Cardiff.
Traditional Welsh vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. They are especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steak restaurant with an open-fire cooking style, stylish interior, and strong reputation for high-quality meat and memorable service.
Established restaurant at HMP Cardiff, known for refined dining prepared and served by trainees in a unique, professional setting.
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Llandaff serving seasonal small plates, natural wine, and modern cooking in a relaxed contemporary space.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, 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.

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