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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Stafford to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stafford to Cardiff 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 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Stafford to Cardiff 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Stafford to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stafford to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 35m.
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 £15
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 05:14 |
Last train 21:21 |
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 £15
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Stafford to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Stafford and Cardiff from £15. 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 Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
£31
CrossCountry frequency
7 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
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Price
£118
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£112
Cross Country frequency
7 a day
West Midlands Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 43m
West Midlands Trains frequency
15 a day
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Stafford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Stafford to Cardiff covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 2h 35m. Trains run 7 per 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 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Stafford to Cardiff.
To get from Stafford to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Stafford to Cardiff.
The train station in Stafford that goes to Cardiff is Stafford station (STA), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Stafford to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £15.
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.
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.
A day trip from Stafford to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 35m. Trains run 7 times per day. The distance is 164 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Stafford to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stafford and Cardiff
Stafford
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Stafford is Stafford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Stafford for your trip from Stafford to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:00 - 20:00 Sunday 08:30 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Stafford Multi Story (Car Park 2)
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 84 cycle spaces in two bays on platform 1 with 42 cycle spaces in Car Park 2 (Multi-Story)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Stafford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Stafford.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
Hotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- 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
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- 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)
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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