London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Sep 20
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$60

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$90

Fastest journey on Sep 20

3 h 16 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

3 h 29 m

Trains on Sep 20

7

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF) will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 7 trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF), including 7 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 16 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 38 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    4:02 PM3h33
    London Gatwick Airport
    7:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    10:34 AM4h01
    London Gatwick Airport
    2:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $831One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    7:50 AM3h38
    London Gatwick Airport
    11:28 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $841One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    1:00 PM3h34
    London Gatwick Airport
    4:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $841One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:18 AM3h16
    London Gatwick Airport
    12:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $841One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of $26 For those with little time, consider booking a ferry, which has an average total journey time of 1h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $26, while a train costs an average of $103.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Ferry
Driving

$103

Average price

$32

Average price

$26

Average price

Cheapest

$60

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 38m

Average total duration

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 22m

Average total duration

4h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

40m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

3h 12m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Wightlink

Most popular ferry company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a ferry with an average price of $26.

This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF):

A ferry is $7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $32.

A ferry is $77 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $103.

The fastest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by ferry with an average journey time of 40m.

Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 8m.

Bus takes on average 4h 52m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 4m sooner (3h 8m by train vs 3h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $103 compared to roughly $60 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 Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway7:50 AM London Gatwick Airport
3h38
11:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:18 AM London Gatwick Airport
3h16
12:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway10:26 AM London Gatwick Airport
3h59
2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway10:34 AM London Gatwick Airport
4h01
2:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway11:12 AM London Gatwick Airport
3h23
2:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 Central (CDF).
  • 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 but you can travel from only $12 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:46, the last at 20:19. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 2h 36m.

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
Distance
131 miles (212 km)
Average train duration
3h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
$57
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 36m
First train
4:46 AM
Last train
8:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
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

Train companies: Great Western Railway from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) from $12. 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
2h 36m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$57
Great Western Railway 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

FAQs: Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $57, while the average price is around $103.
The train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) takes 2h 36m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 131 miles (212 km).
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:46 AM.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 8:19 PM.
There is no high speed train available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).
There is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by bus, with a cost of around $12.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central offers a mix of urban and natural scenery. It includes views of the rolling countryside of southern England and South Wales, with glimpses of the River Severn as you approach Cardiff.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 36m. Trains run 8 times per day, covering a distance of 131 miles (212 km).
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Since neither London Gatwick Airport nor Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF) include Swansea, London, Newport, Bridgend, Swindon.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
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 Central (CDF)

Most London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Gatwick Airport

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomLondon Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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