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Trains from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay

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CrossCountry
Gatwick Express

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay

Trains to Cardiff Bay from Gatwick Airport

First train

03:00

Last train

01:45

Departure stationGatwick Airport
Arrival stationCardiff Bay
Journey time

From 3h 18m

Distance

132 miles (212 km)

Frequency

13 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Gatwick Express, Great Western Railway, Southern, Thameslink, Transport for Wales

Travel by train from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay

Looking to travel from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay takes around 5 hours 35 minutes, but can take just 3 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 13 trains per day from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay.

You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Thameslink and CrossCountry trains operate on this route.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay?

Want to know more about your journey from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay?

You can get from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay by train in 5 hours and 35 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 18 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay take?

The average journey time by train between Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Bay is 5 hours and 35 minutes, with around 13 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Bay by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay is 3 hours and 18 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay?

No, there are no direct train services from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay. Travelling from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Gatwick Airport to Cardiff Bay is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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