- Must visit
Museum in the Park
Stroud’s main museum explores local history, textiles and social life. Its galleries give a strong introduction to the town and surrounding valleys.
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
1 h 38 m
Average duration
1 h 38 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Stroud is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stroud will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Stroud every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 38 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stroud among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 74 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£25 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Stroud run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Stroud — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stroud trip today.
Stroud’s main museum explores local history, textiles and social life. Its galleries give a strong introduction to the town and surrounding valleys.
A respected gallery showing modern and contemporary art in a former chapel. It is known for thoughtful exhibitions and a calm setting in Stroud town centre.
An artist-led contemporary art space with changing exhibitions and events. It is a good choice for visitors seeking Stroud’s current creative scene.
A large park with formal gardens, woodland and a museum. It is one of the best places in Stroud for a relaxed walk and broad valley views.
A wooded common with open grassland above Stroud. It is popular for walking, picnics and wide views across the Five Valleys.
A broad common beside Rodborough with excellent views and easy walking routes. It is a favourite local spot for sunsets and open scenery.
A soft, crumbly blue cow’s milk cheese from nearby Woodchester Valley, long associated with the Stroud area and valued for its rich, creamy flavour.
A traditional Gloucestershire cow’s milk cheese with a mellow, buttery taste, historically made on local farms and central to the county’s food heritage.
A rich fruit cake from Gloucestershire made with dried fruit, spice and suet, traditionally baked for harvest celebrations and local gatherings.
Independent brewery taproom and kitchen focused on organic beer, pizzas and casual meals with an easy-going local feel.
Stylish modern restaurant in Stroud known for seasonal British cooking, small plates and a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Popular canalside pub serving hearty British dishes, local drinks and Sunday roasts in a relaxed historic setting.
Stroud is moderate for UK market towns: pubs and cafés are reasonable, but hotels can be pricey in peak periods. Local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is optional, often just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stroud 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 Stroud, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Stroud trains use the Cardiff Central to Stroud station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stroud train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Fairwater is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Fairwater has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Fairwater.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fairwater: Parking.
Available at Fairwater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fairwater: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Pwllmelin Road. Step free access is available to Platform 2 (to Radyr) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Fairwater Road. Both platforms are connected via a footbridge with steps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: This machine does not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Stroud is 1 km from Stroud city centre. Public transport options include:
Stroud has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Stroud.
Ticket office support is available at Stroud.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stroud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stroud: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stroud: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B2 - This station has a degree of step free access to each platform via drop off points however step free access between the ticket office and Platform 2 can only be achieved via a stepbridge on the station. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
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