- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stafford to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £0
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £79
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 2 h 36 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 2 h 37 m
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 26
- Distance
- 164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stafford to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast trains
To travel from Stafford to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
7:39 2h46 Stafford 10:25 Cardiff Find prices1 change8:39 2h46 Stafford 11:25 Cardiff Find prices1 change9:39 2h47 Stafford 12:26 Cardiff Find prices1 change10:42 2h43 Stafford 13:25 Cardiff Find prices1 change11:39 2h46 Stafford 14:25 Cardiff Find prices1 change
13:00 2h36 Stafford 15:36 Cardiff £147 1 One-way 1 change16:01 2h36 Stafford 18:37 Cardiff £147 1 One-way 1 change8:00 2h37 Stafford 10:37 Cardiff £147 1 One-way 1 change10:00 2h37 Stafford 12:37 Cardiff £147 1 One-way 1 change12:00 2h37 Stafford 14:37 Cardiff £147 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Stafford to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stafford to Cardiff run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £84 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 48m.
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
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £84 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 21:21 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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
Frequently asked questions about your Stafford to Cardiff trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Stafford to Cardiff.
The cost of a train ticket from Stafford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £84, while the average price tends to be around £84.
The train from Stafford to Cardiff takes 2h 48m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Stafford to Cardiff is 164 km.
The first train from Stafford to Cardiff leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Stafford to Cardiff departs at 21:21.
Trains from Stafford to Cardiff run approximately 1 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Stafford to Cardiff.
Live departures
Stafford to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Stafford to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12:32 Stafford | 2h51 | 15:23 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
| 6:23 Stafford | 3h02 | 9:25 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 7:39 Stafford | 2h46 | 10:25 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 8:00 Stafford | 2h37 | 10:37 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 8:39 Stafford | 2h46 | 11:25 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 9:00 Stafford | 2h40 | 11:40 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 9:39 Stafford | 2h47 | 12:26 Cardiff | 1 change | |
| 10:00 Stafford | 2h37 | 12:37 Cardiff | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Stafford to Cardiff trains with Omio?
CrossCountry operates all trains services from Stafford to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stafford to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- 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.
Train companies: CrossCountry from Stafford to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Stafford and Cardiff from £84. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 48m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£84
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Stafford and Cardiff
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Stafford to Cardiff.
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
Plan your visit to Cardiff
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cardiff.
The train journey from Stafford to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views of the countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque towns along the route.
FAQs: Stafford to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stafford to Cardiff 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Stafford to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Stafford to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stafford and Cardiff
Most Stafford to Cardiff trains use the Stafford to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Stafford and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Stafford
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Stafford station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Stafford to Cardiff leave from Stafford. The station is from Stafford city centre at Stafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA.
StaffordStafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
Stafford train station facilities and services
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Stafford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
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.
Train stations for Stafford to Cardiff
Check train stations information for Stafford and Cardiff, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Stafford that goes to Cardiff is Stafford, and it arrives at Cardiff Central.
Most popular train connections from Stafford
More options for your journey from Stafford to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Stafford
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