The cheapest and fastest trains from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
£44
Average price
£51
Fastest journey
3 h 36 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
242 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Of the 5 trains that leave London Stansted Airport for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 242 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 242 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y81580+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ P08240 | On time 08:15 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h55 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Y81592 · Y10828+ P07888+ P08240 | On time 08:30 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h40 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
Y81616+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ P08241 | On time 09:00 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h36 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Y81640+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ P08242 | On time 09:30 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h46 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Y81664+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ P08243 | On time 10:00 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h35 | 13:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Y81688+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ P08244 | On time 10:30 Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3h37 | 14:07 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Trains from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 242 km distance in 3h 19m.
Distance 242 km |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 07:00 |
Last train 20:00 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, Stansted Express from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Rail, Stansted Express trains will get you between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
Stansted Express
FAQs: London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Stansted Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF)
- 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)
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need




