Stratford to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Wed 16 Sept
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stratford to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Sept

Cheapest price on 16 Sept

£78

Average ticket price on 16 Sept

£109

Fastest journey on 16 Sept

2 h 26 m

Average journey duration on 16 Sept

2 h 27 m

Trains on 16 Sept

16

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 £109 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.

Fast trains

To travel from Stratford to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayG14937+Elizabeth lineC38200
    8:382h29
    Maryland (MYL)
    11:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG14938+Elizabeth lineC37299
    9:112h29
    Stratford (London) (SRA)
    11:40Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG14937+Elizabeth lineC38200
    8:412h26
    Stratford (London) (SRA)
    11:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG14933+Elizabeth lineC38304 · C37193
    5:563h12
    Maryland (MYL)
    9:08Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1051One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35415+Elizabeth lineC38321
    6:052h34
    Maryland (MYL)
    8:39Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1171One-way
    1 change

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 an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £57.

Distance: 220 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£57

Average Price

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 16m

Average total duration

3h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Stratford to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £6.

This is compared to other travel options from Stratford to Cardiff:

A coach is £51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stratford to Cardiff costing on average £57.

The fastest way to travel from Stratford to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 19m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 46m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Stratford and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 3m sooner (3h 19m by train vs 3h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Stratford to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Stratford to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG14933+Elizabeth lineC38304 · C371935:56 Maryland (MYL)
3h12
9:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35415+Elizabeth lineC383045:56 Maryland (MYL)
2h43
8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35415+Elizabeth lineC383045:59 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h40
8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35415+Elizabeth lineC383216:05 Maryland (MYL)
2h34
8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35415+Elizabeth lineC383216:08 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h31
8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14933+Elizabeth lineC383546:34 Maryland (MYL)
2h34
9:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14933+Elizabeth lineC383546:37 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h31
9:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14934+Elizabeth lineC384057:06 Maryland (MYL)
2h30
9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14934+Elizabeth lineC384057:09 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h27
9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14935+Elizabeth lineC384687:38 Maryland (MYL)
2h34
10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14935+Elizabeth lineC384687:41 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h31
10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14936+Elizabeth lineC385348:08 Maryland (MYL)
2h29
10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14936+Elizabeth lineC385348:11 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h26
10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14937+Elizabeth lineC382008:38 Maryland (MYL)
2h29
11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14937+Elizabeth lineC382008:41 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h26
11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayG14938+Elizabeth lineC372999:11 Stratford (London) (SRA)
2h29
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change

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.

Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Stratford to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Stratford to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 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 38m.

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 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
2h 38m
First train
5:00
Last train
22:08
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
70 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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£44
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 Elizabeth Line (TfL) Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Elizabeth Line (TfL) 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

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Stratford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Stratford to Cardiff covers a distance of 220 km and takes approximately 2h 38m. 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 38m. 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 Cardiff Queen Street. 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 1AZWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 1SAWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
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 1YYShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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.

More options for your journey from Stratford to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Stratford to Cardiff train

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