- 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 Stratford to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 01 Aug
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
2 h 53 m
Average duration
2 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
220 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stratford 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 to Cardiff will cost around £47 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 Stratford 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 220 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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.
8:472h53Stratford11:40Cardiff£421One-way0 changes- 9:472h53Stratford12:40Cardiff£511One-way0 changes
- 9:472h53Stratford12:40Cardiff£511One-way0 changes
- 8:472h53Stratford11:40Cardiff£421One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Stratford to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stratford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 220 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Stratford to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Stratford to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Saturday 1 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:47 Stratford | 2h53 | 11:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:47 Stratford | 2h53 | 12:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stratford 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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01 Aug
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Why should you book Stratford to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Elizabeth Line (TfL) offer trains services from Stratford to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stratford to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth Line (TfL) to find the best option for your trip from Stratford to Cardiff.
- 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 Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stratford to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Stratford to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Stratford to Cardiff?
The best time to book your train from Stratford to Cardiff is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Stratford to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Stratford 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 Stratford to Cardiff.
Trains
from £31Journey information
Overview: Train from Stratford to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stratford to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 220 km distance in 2h 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 £5
Distance 220 km |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 22:08 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £5
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL) from Stratford to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL) trains will get you between Stratford and Cardiff from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
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
2h 27m
Cheapest Price
£42
Great Western Railway frequency
8 a day
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
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
£130
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
25 a day
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.
FAQs: Stratford to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stratford 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 Stratford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from Stratford to Cardiff covers a distance of 220 km and takes approximately 2h 27m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Stratford to Cardiff is 220 km.
The first train from Stratford to Cardiff leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Stratford to Cardiff departs at 22:08.
Trains from Stratford to Cardiff run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stratford to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Stratford to Cardiff.
To get from Stratford to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Stratford to Cardiff.
The train station in Stratford that goes to Cardiff is Stratford (London) (SRA), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Stratford to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Stratford 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 Stratford to Cardiff offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds, with rolling hills and charming villages, before approaching the Severn Estuary with its expansive waters.
A day trip from Stratford to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 27m. There are 8 trains per day covering a distance of 220 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 Stratford to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stratford and Cardiff
Most Stratford to Cardiff trains use the Stratford (London) to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Stratford and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Stratford
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Stratford station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Stratford to Cardiff leave from Stratford (London). The station is 1 km from Stratford city centre at Stratford station, Station Street, Stratford, Greater London, E15 1AZ.
Stratford (London)Stratford station, Station Street, Stratford, Greater London, E15 1AZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Stratford (London) from Stratford city centre
TrainDlr · 2m · £2 · every ~27 min
Bus108 · 6m · £4 · every ~24 min
SubwayJubilee · 3m · £0.90 · every ~63 min
Stratford (London) train station facilities and services
Stratford (London) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stratford (London).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Stratford (London). ATMs are available at Stratford (London).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stratford (London). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stratford (London): Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stratford (London): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford (London): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
MarylandMaryland station, Leytonstone Road, Maryland Point, Greater London, E15 1SA
City-centre transport
Getting to Maryland from Stratford city centre
BusN8 · 6m · £4 · every ~4 min
N8 · 7m · £4 · every ~4 min
69 · 15m · £9 · every ~29 min
Maryland train station facilities and services
Maryland has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maryland.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Maryland.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maryland. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maryland: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maryland: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maryland: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 1&2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: An accessible ticket machine is located within the stations ticket hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Stratford InternationalStratford International station, International Way, Stratford, Greater London, E20 1YY
City-centre transport
Getting to Stratford International from Stratford city centre
TrainDlr · 5m · £2 · every ~27 min
Bus108 · 8m · £4 · every ~24 min
Stratford International train station facilities and services
Stratford International has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stratford International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stratford International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stratford International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Textphone 0800 783 4548, 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 Stratford International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stratford International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access to all platforms via lifts.Pedestrian access to the international station from the regional station either via Westfield shopping centre or the roadway to the second entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, 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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Stratford
More options for your journey from Stratford to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Stratford
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