- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 09 Sept
£35
Average ticket price on 09 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 09 Sept
3 h 21 m
Average journey duration on 09 Sept
3 h 21 m
Trains on 09 Sept
1
Distance
128 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
On Wed 09 Sept, we found 1 trains from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 128 km distance in an average of 3 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 21 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 Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £21.
Distance: 128 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff costing on average £21.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 8m.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £5. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01098+ W00405 | Delayed 8:30 8:08Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h17 | 11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01101+ L22875 | Delayed 9:30 9:08Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h18 | 12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01102+ L22964 | Delayed 10:30 10:08Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h17 | 13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01107+ L22961 | Delayed 11:30 11:05Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h20 | 14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01109+ W00403 | Delayed 12:30 12:08Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h17 | 15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01113+ C17929 | Delayed 13:30 13:08Stratford-upon-Avon station (SAV) | 3h17 | 16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 128 km |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 20:01 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
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.
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.
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.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Most Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff trains use the Stratford-upon-Avon to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Stratford-upon-Avon has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Ticket office support is available at Stratford-upon-Avon. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Parking, WC.
Available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Red Line Taxis (Wheelchair Access) 017889 777365, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located at the front of the station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need