- Recommended
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Local history museum in the Old Town Jail, exploring Stirling’s people, trades and changing town life through displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Stirling
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£169
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£169
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
8 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
8 h 26 m
Trains on 19 Sept
1
Distance
518 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Stirling is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stirling will cost around £169 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £169.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Stirling, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 518 km distance in an average of 8 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 26 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.
14:258h26Cardiff22:51Stirling£1691One-way0 changes
- 14:258h26Cardiff22:51Stirling£1691One-way0 changes
Live departures
Cardiff to Stirling train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stirling trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:25 Cardiff | 8h26 | 22:51 Stirling | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Stirling by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Train companies: Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Stirling trainsCross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Stirling. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
7h 29m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£325
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
8h 54m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£373
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Stirling
Things to do in Stirling
Discover the best of Stirling — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stirling trip today.
- Recommended
Old Town Jail
Interactive former prison with costumed interpretation and rooftop views, giving a vivid look at Victorian justice.
Argyll's Lodging
Compact museum in Argyll’s Lodging showing domestic life, decorative interiors and objects from a grand townhouse.
- Must visit
Stirling Old Town
Historic central route lined with old buildings, independent shops and easy access to key Old Town sights.
- Recommended
King's Park
Popular public park below the castle with walks, monuments, play areas and excellent views of the historic skyline.
- Recommended
Pathfoot and Airthrey Estate
Large estate park with loch views, woodland trails and a family-friendly walking setting beside the university.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Strongly linked to eastern Scotland and widely eaten locally as a warming starter.
Haggis
Scotland’s best-known savoury dish of sheep’s offal, oats, suet and spices in a casing. A traditional Burns supper favourite across Stirling and beyond.
Lorne Sausage Roll
Sliced sausage in a soft morning roll, a staple Scottish breakfast order. Its peppery, herby flavour makes it a classic quick bite in local cafés.
The Grill Room
Elegant restaurant in a Victorian hotel, known for refined Scottish cooking and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Darnley Coffee House
Well-known casual spot for Scottish breakfasts, baking and light lunches. Friendly atmosphere and central location popular with locals and visitors.
Portcullis
Traditional pub near Stirling Castle serving Scottish classics, local ales and whiskies in a cosy historic setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Edinburgh, while visitor attractions and rail fares can still add up in peak season.
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
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and cafés usually do not expect tips.
Traveline Scotland
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.60
- Day pass
- £2.20
To the city centre
Stirling Railway Station -> Stirling Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Most bus operators serving Stirling Bus Station accept contactless debit and credit cards on their services.
- Stirling Railway Station is about a 5-minute walk from the main commercial areas, so walking is often quickest for the centre.
FAQs: Cardiff to Stirling train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stirling 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 Stirling, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Cardiff to Stirling is 518 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Stirling leaves at 5:21.
The last train from Cardiff to Stirling departs at 16:22.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Stirling.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Stirling.
To get from Cardiff to Stirling, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Stirling.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Stirling is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Stirling station (STG).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Stirling 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 Stirling is considered scenic, as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of Wales and the English countryside before reaching the rolling hills and historic sites of Scotland.
Two to three days in Stirling should be sufficient to explore its historic attractions, including Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the Old Town Jail, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Stirling.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Stirling
Most Cardiff to Stirling trains use the Cardiff Central to Stirling station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stirling 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 Stirling
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
Which Stirling station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Stirling arrive at Stirling. Stirling is from Stirling city centre.
StirlingStirling station, Goosecroft Road, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK8 1PF+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Stirling from Stirling city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBuses pick up/drop off from the parking bays outside the main station entrance
Stirling train station facilities and services
Stirling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stirling.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Stirling. ATMs are available at Stirling.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stirling. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stirling: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stirling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stirling: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 10, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Most taxis accessible, at front of station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Stirling
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Stirling and Cardiff
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