London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

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Southern
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 17 Feb

Cheapest price

£64

Average price

£98

Fastest journey

3 h 4 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Trains per day

4

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.

Fast trains

To travel from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.

ThameslinkG84459+TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailP22623
08:463h24
Gatwick Airport (GTW)
12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
£641One-way
2 changes
ThameslinkW59507+Tfl RailG23784+Great Western RailP22622
08:363h04
Gatwick Airport (GTW)
11:40Cardiff Central (CDF)
£841One-way
2 changes
SouthernP43139_P25774+Great Western RailP30638 · P22623
08:523h18
Gatwick Airport (GTW)
12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1181One-way
2 changes
SouthernW60462+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+Great Western RailP22624
08:553h42
Gatwick Airport (GTW)
12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1291One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. 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 coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £39.

Distance: 212 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£71

Average Price

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 21m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 21m

Average total duration

4h 51m

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 16 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 08:24
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
thameslinkW59507+tfl_railG23784+great_westernP22622
On time
08:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h04
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
southernP43139_P25774+great_westernP30638 · P22623
On time
08:52 Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h18
12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
southernW60462+assertis_tubeTube from London Victoria to London Paddington+great_westernP22624
On time
08:55 Gatwick Airport (GTW)
3h42
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes

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 coach

Compare train and coach 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
17 Feb
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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 5 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 06:46, the last at 17:56. 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
Coach from £9
Distance
212 km
Average train duration
2h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
£39
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
3h 4m
First train
06:46
Last train
17:56
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
Coach from £9

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 £9. 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
£39
Great Western Rail frequency
5 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
£143
first_great_western frequency
12 a day

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 18m
Cheapest Price
£127
Southern frequency
12 a day

FAQs: London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train

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
The cost of a train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff covers a distance of 212 km and takes approximately 3h 4m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is 212 km.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 6:46.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff departs at 17:56.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
To get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque countryside of Surrey and the rolling hills of South Wales, providing passengers with glimpses of charming villages and lush landscapes.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is not feasible because the journey takes 3h 4m. However, there are 6 train trips available per day. The distance is 212 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff

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 transport 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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
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, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
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
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport 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.
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 transport 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

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Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and London Gatwick Airport

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff train

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