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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Mar 11
Cheapest price
€42
Average price
€67
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 21 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 €67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Cardiff on Wed, Mar 11, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Mar 11 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 3 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
On Wed, Mar 11 the slowest trains will take 3 h 35 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.
09:02AM3h35
London Gatwick Airport12:37PMCardiff
€421One-way
0 transfers
09:16AM3h21
London Gatwick Airport12:37PMCardiff
€471One-way
0 transfers
08:52AM3h44
London Gatwick Airport12:36PMCardiff
€631One-way
0 transfers
08:36AM3h04
London Gatwick Airport11:40AMCardiff
€851One-way
0 transfers
06:46AM3h23
London Gatwick Airport10:09AMCardiff
€951One-way
0 transfers
08:36AM3h04
London Gatwick Airport11:40AMCardiff
€851One-way
0 transfers
09:16AM3h21
London Gatwick Airport12:37PMCardiff
€471One-way
0 transfers
06:46AM3h23
London Gatwick Airport10:09AMCardiff
€951One-way
0 transfers
08:46AM3h24
London Gatwick Airport12:10PMCardiff
€1371One-way
0 transfers
09:02AM3h35
London Gatwick Airport12:37PMCardiff
€421One-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 €10. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €42.
Distance: 212 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€78 Average price | €19 Average price Cheapest |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m 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, Tuesday, March 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 1:10 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W59507+ G23784+P22622 | On time 8:36 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h04 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| P30638 · P22623 | On time 9:00 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h10 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W59430+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington+P22624 | On time 9:02 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h35 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
 W60223+Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+P22624 | On time 9:02 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h35 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
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.
Tue
Mar 10
Mar 10
Wed
Mar 11
Mar 11
Thu
Mar 12
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Fri
Mar 13
Mar 13
Sat
Mar 14
Mar 14
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Mar 15
Mon
Mar 16
Mar 16
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail 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 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 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 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 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
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €42 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:46, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 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 €10
Distance 212 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price €42 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 06:46 |
Last train 19:19 |
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 €10
Train companies: Great Western Rail, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff from €10. 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
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
€42
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
€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
€159
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
15 a day
Southern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
€179
Southern frequency
8 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.
Cheap train tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff can start from as little as €42 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is €78; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is 3h 4m to travel the 212 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 6:46 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 7:19 PM.
There are 5 trains a day from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff which require at least one change with Great Western Rail, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff, you can count on Great Western Rail, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from London Gatwick Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 4m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is February.
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.
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)
Cardiff Queen Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation 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.
Cathays
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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