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

Sun, Jun 21
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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 Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$156

Average price

$159

Fastest journey

3 h 8 m

Average duration

3 h 22 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 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 $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $156.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayC33162 · C01227
    9:26 AM3h08
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    12:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1561One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC33164 · C01226
    10:26 AM3h08
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    1:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1561One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC33166 · C50047
    11:26 AM3h09
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    2:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1561One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC33160 · C01228
    7:59 AM3h29
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    11:28 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1561One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC00840+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+SouthernC82379
    11:44 AM3h56
    Gatwick Airport (GTW)
    3:40 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1701One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and ferry 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 bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $35.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Ferry
Driving

$83

Average price

$20

Average price

Cheapest

$28

Average price

$60

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 22m

Average total duration

2h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 13m

Average total duration

4h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

40m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

3h 12m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

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

A bus is $8 (€7) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $28 (€23).

A bus is $63 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $83 (€68).

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 2h 52m.

Bus takes on average 4h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a bus, train, and ferry.
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 20m sooner (2h 52m by train vs 3h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $83 (€68) compared to roughly $60 (€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 Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC33160 · C012287:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h29
11:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC33162 · C012279:26 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h08
12:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC33164 · C0122610:26 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h08
1:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC33166 · C5004711:26 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h09
2:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC00840+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+SouthernC8237911:44 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h56
3:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) by bus, train, or ferry

Compare bus, train, and ferry 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
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

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, train and ferry 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, train and ferry 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 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€29) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 06:22, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 3h 4m.

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 52m
Cheapest ticket price
$35 (€29)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 4m
First train
6:22 AM
Last train
7:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
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 Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€29)
Great Western Railway frequency
7 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

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 Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Price
$200 (€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 Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
$194 (€159)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
15 a day

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
$219 (€179)
Southern frequency
8 a day

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 $35 (€29), while the average price is around $83 (€68).
The train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) takes 3h 4m 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 6:22 AM.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 7:19 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 (€10).
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 3h 4m. 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)

London
Cardiff
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station
WC
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
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
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)

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

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

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