London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Tue, Dec 09
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Southern
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Southern
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Dec 09

Cheapest price

€56

Average price

€66

Fastest journey

3 h 7 m

Average duration

3 h 11 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 €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €56.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Cardiff on Tue, Dec 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 09 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 7 m .

On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest trains will take 3 h 16 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 Rail
08:19PM3h48
London Gatwick Airport
12:07AMCardiff
561One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
08:26AM3h10
London Gatwick Airport
11:36AMCardiff
641One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
08:13AM3h23
London Gatwick Airport
11:36AMCardiff
651One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
07:52AM3h44
London Gatwick Airport
11:36AMCardiff
651One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
12:56PM3h10
London Gatwick Airport
04:06PMCardiff
831One-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: 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*

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

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, Monday, December 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:14 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_western5:59 PM London Gatwick Airport
3h47
9:46 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 9
great_western7:13 AM London Gatwick Airport
4h23
11:36 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western7:16 AM London Gatwick Airport
4h46
12:02 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western8:26 AM London Gatwick Airport
3h10
11:36 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western11:59 AM London Gatwick Airport
4h27
4:26 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western12:56 PM London Gatwick Airport
3h10
4:06 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

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
Dec 09
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Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
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Journey information

Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 20:19. 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 €13
Distance
212 km
Average train duration
2h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
€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 €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 €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
€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
€160
first_great_western frequency
12 a day

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 18m
Cheapest Price
€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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff can start from as little as €36 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff is €79; 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 (LGW) to Cardiff is 3 h   to travel the 211 km long route, with around there are 7 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff leaves at 05: 46. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff leaves at 20: 19.
There are 7 trains a day from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff which require at least one change with Great Western Rail, Thameslink or first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the trip from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff you can take a train with Great Western Rail, Thameslink or first_great_western. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Cardiff on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 20: 19.
A trip to Cardiff from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cardiff including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

London
Cardiff
BirchgroveParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available from Waun y Groes Avenue.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Birchgrove
  • Onward travel information: Available from Caerphilly Road (main road next to station)
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stops on A469 Caerphilly Road
Cardiff BayParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
  • 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.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Bay
  • Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
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

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to CardiffLondon Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train

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