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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stansted to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 14 Mar
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
241 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stansted to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stansted to Cardiff will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Stansted for Cardiff every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 41 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.
09:583h39
Stansted13:37Cardiff
£421One-way
0 changes
08:303h41
Stansted12:11Cardiff
£571One-way
0 changes
09:583h39
Stansted13:37Cardiff
£421One-way
0 changes
08:303h41
Stansted12:11Cardiff
£571One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Stansted to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Stansted to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 4h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 241 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Stansted to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Stansted to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 13 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 09:07
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:28 Stansted | 3h48 | 13:16 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:28 Stansted | 3h41 | 15:09 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:28 Stansted | 3h40 | 16:08 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 14 March | |||||
| 08:30 Stansted | 3h41 | 12:11 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stansted to Cardiff 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
14 Mar
14 Mar
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15 Mar
15 Mar
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16 Mar
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17 Mar
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20 Mar
20 Mar
Why should you book Stansted to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail operates all trains services from Stansted to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stansted to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stansted to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Stansted to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Stansted to Cardiff?
The best time to book your train from Stansted to Cardiff is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Stansted to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Stansted to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Stansted to Cardiff.
Trains
from £47Coaches
from £28Journey information
Overview: Train from Stansted to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stansted to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:58. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 3h 27m.
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 £23
Distance 241 km |
Average train duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 21:58 |
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 £23
Train companies: Great Western Rail from Stansted to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail trains will get you between Stansted and Cardiff from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 27m
Cheapest Price
£42
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
FAQs: Stansted to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stansted 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 Stansted to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Stansted to Cardiff covers a distance of 241 km and takes approximately 3h 27m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Stansted to Cardiff is 241 km.
The first train from Stansted to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Stansted to Cardiff departs at 21:58.
Trains from Stansted to Cardiff run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stansted to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Stansted to Cardiff.
To get from Stansted to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Stansted to Cardiff.
The train station in Stansted that goes to Cardiff is Stansted Airport (SSD), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Stansted to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Stansted 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 Stansted to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with sections passing through the picturesque English countryside, providing scenic views of fields, hills, and small villages.
A day trip from Stansted to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 27m. However, with a frequency of 4 trains per day, you have multiple travel options across a distance of 241 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 Stansted to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stansted and Cardiff
Stansted
Cardiff
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike 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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Most popular train connections from Stansted
More options for your journey from Stansted to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Stansted
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