Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £66.
Distance: 241 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to London Stansted Airport:
A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to London Stansted Airport costing on average £66.
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 6m.
Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £22. The journey takes 5h 6m versus 3h 26m 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.
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.
Buses from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to London Stansted Airport run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 09:30, the last at 15:45. The fastest coach covers the 241 km distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 241 km |
Average bus duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 9:30 |
Last bus 15:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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.

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