The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD)
Cheapest price
£64
Average price
£86
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 36 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) 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 Stansted Airport (SSD) will cost around £86 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Stansted Airport (SSD) every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 3 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 5 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 241 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) trains for today, Saturday 29 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G04957+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81672 | On time 06:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 09:57 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
G04958+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81696 | On time 06:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 10:27 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
G04959+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81720 | On time 07:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 10:57 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
G04960+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81752 | On time 07:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 11:27 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
G04961+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81773 | On time 08:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 11:57 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
G04962+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ Y81785 | On time 08:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 12:27 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) 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.
30 Nov
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02 Dec
03 Dec
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05 Dec
06 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 16:50. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 3h 21m.
Distance 241 km |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 04:07 |
Last train 16:50 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Stansted Airport (SSD) from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Stansted Airport (SSD) 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 Stansted Airport (SSD), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Stansted Airport (SSD)
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
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