The cheapest and fastest trains from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£85
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£91
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 11 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) will cost around £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS), including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 189 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 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 11 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.
7:513h11Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX)11:02Cathays (CYS)£851One-way0 changes
8:513h11Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX)12:02Cathays (CYS)£961One-way0 changes
8:513h11Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX)12:02Cathays (CYS)£961One-way0 changes
7:513h11Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX)11:02Cathays (CYS)£851One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of £19 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 £19, while a train costs an average of £85.
Distance: 189 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Ferry | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 46m Average total duration 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS):
A ferry is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) costing on average £25.
A ferry is £66 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) costing on average £85.
Other travel options to Cathays (CYS) take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 16m.
Coach takes on average 3h 55m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 16m by train vs 2h 21m by car). Tickets start at around £85 compared to roughly £37 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.
Compare prices and tickets Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) by train
Compare 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.
18 Sept
19 Sept
20 Sept
21 Sept
22 Sept
23 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS)
Trains from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £70 but you can travel from only £19 by ferry.
The fastest train covers the 189 km distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 189 km |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) and Cathays (CYS) from £19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
FAQs: Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) 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 Cathays (CYS), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) and Cathays (CYS)
Most Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) to Cathays (CYS) trains use the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) and Cathays (CYS) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 train station facilities and services
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
