Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport bus with National Express

Sun 20 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£37

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£53

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

4 h 55 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

5 h 8 m

Buses on 20 Sept

18

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
    5:556h15
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    12:10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £371One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX201 · NX728
    3:405h15
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    8:55Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
    11:306h32
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    18:02Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £491One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
    12:156h17
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    18:32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £491One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
    10:306h35
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    17:05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £491One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £51.

Distance: 242 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£26

Average Price

Cheapest

£51

Average Price

£50

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 31m

Average total duration

5h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is a coach with an average price of £26.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport:

A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport costing on average £51.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 3h 6m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 1m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around £26 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £24. The journey takes 5h 1m versus 3h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX201 · NX7283:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h15
8:55 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX7285:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h55
10:35 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA85:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h15
12:10 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX7277:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h55
12:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA87:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h25
14:10 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX7279:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h00
14:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA89:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h45
16:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX507 · NXA810:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h35
17:05 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA811:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h32
18:02 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX507 · NXA812:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h17
18:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX72712:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h05
18:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA813:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h29
19:29 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX72715:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h35
20:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX507 · NXA815:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
21:55 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX72716:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
22:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA817:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h25
23:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX507 · NXA818:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h05
0:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NXA619:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
2:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport 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.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 10:30, the last at 17:00. The fastest coach covers the 242 km distance in 6h 20m.

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
Distance
242 km
Average bus duration
5h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
6h 20m
First bus
10:30
Last bus
17:00
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
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

Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as £19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
6h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£19
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Learn more about National Express

FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is £26; 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 coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is 6h 20m to travel the 242 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 10:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 17:00.
There are 15 coaches a day from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Cardiff Central (CDF) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return coaches from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport train
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