Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet train with Great Western Railway

Thu 17 Sept
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£53

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£55

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

3 h 29 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

3 h 41 m

Trains on 17 Sept

2

Distance

238 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    10:503h53
    Cardiff
    14:43Stansted Mountfitchet
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    11:183h29
    Cardiff
    14:47Stansted Mountfitchet
    £581One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £52.

Distance: 238 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Driving

£52

Average Price

£22

Average Price

Cheapest

£50

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 22m

Average total duration

4h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 31m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is a coach with an average price of £22.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet:

A coach is £29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet costing on average £52.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is by train with an average journey time of 2h 57m.

Other travel options to Stansted Mountfitchet take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 52m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Stansted Mountfitchet including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 34m sooner (2h 57m by train vs 3h 31m by car). Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western Railway10:50 Cardiff
3h53
14:43 Stansted Mountfitchet0 changesdirect
Great Western Railway11:18 Cardiff
3h29
14:47 Stansted Mountfitchet0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.

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 to Stansted Mountfitchet.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 3h 28m.

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 £20
Distance
238 km
Average train duration
2h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£39
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 28m
First train
5:22
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 days
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 £20

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Stansted Mountfitchet from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 Great Western Railway Duration
3h 28m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£39
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£150
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Stansted Mountfitchet

Things to do in Stansted Mountfitchet

Discover the best of Stansted Mountfitchet — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted Mountfitchet trip today.

  • Must visit

Mountfitchet Castle

Open-air Norman village and castle experience with actors, timber buildings and hands-on history. One of the village’s signature visitor attractions.

  • Recommended

House on the Hill Toy Museum

Museum of historic toys, dolls and games with displays that appeal to families and collectors. Combined admission is usually offered with the castle.

  • Recommended

Stansted Airport Aviation Museum

Volunteer-run aviation museum near the airport with aircraft, cockpits and local airfield history. A strong choice for aviation enthusiasts.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for Britain. Dining and coffee are fairly typical for a commuter town, while nearby airport demand can push some hotel and taxi prices higher.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet 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 Mountfitchet, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet covers a distance of 238 km and takes approximately 3h 28m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is 238 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet leaves at 5:22.
The last train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.
To get from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Stansted Mountfitchet is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is primarily focused on convenience rather than scenery. While there are brief stretches of countryside and urban landscapes, it does not feature renowned scenic views compared to other UK routes.
A day trip from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 28m. However, the journey is well-served with a train frequency of 7 per day.
A day in Stansted Mountfitchet is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Mountfitchet Castle and the House on the Hill Toy Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Stansted Mountfitchet

Most Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet trains use the Cardiff Central to Stansted Mountfitchet station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stansted Mountfitchet train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Stansted Mountfitchet
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet

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

Most popular trains to and from Stansted Mountfitchet and Cardiff

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