- Recommended
Ancient High House
Historic townhouse museum with changing exhibitions on Stafford’s past, period rooms and displays on local people and trade.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare train for Watford to Stafford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Stafford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £47 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £47, while a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 173 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£47 Average Price Cheapest | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Stafford is a train with an average price of £47.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Stafford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 46m.
Yes, you can take a train between Watford and Stafford.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 35m sooner (1h 46m by train vs 2h 21m by car). Tickets start at around £47 compared to roughly £33 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.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Stafford by train
Compare 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Watford to Stafford trains with Omio?
West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Watford to Stafford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Stafford.
Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Stafford.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Stafford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Stafford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Stafford run on average 36 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 173 km distance in 1h 37m.
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
Distance 173 km |
Average train duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 36 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 5:33 |
Last train 22:41 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Watford to Stafford trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Watford and Stafford from £19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£19
West Midlands Trains frequency
34 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 54m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£50
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
Complete guide to Stafford
Things to do in Stafford
Discover the best of Stafford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stafford trip today.
- Recommended
Shire Hall Gallery
Town-centre art space in the Shire Hall showing temporary exhibitions, contemporary work and community-focused displays.
Lock House Museum
Small heritage museum in a restored lock cottage, explaining the county’s waterways through artefacts, models and canal history.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Riverside park with open lawns, sports facilities, family space and a pleasant walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square framed by civic buildings and shops, often used for events and an easy base for exploring Stafford.
- Recommended
Stafford Castle Meadows
Open green space beside the castle, good for short walks and views towards the ruins and surrounding countryside.
Staffordshire Oatcake with Cheese and Bacon
A savoury Staffordshire oatcake filled with melted cheese and bacon. It is a local staple from the Potteries and widely eaten across Staffordshire.
Staffordshire Oatcake
A plain Staffordshire oatcake served with butter or cheese. This soft oat pancake is one of the county’s most recognisable traditional foods.
- Vegetarian
Staffordshire Tea Loaf
A rich fruit loaf made with tea-soaked dried fruit and spices, then sliced and spread with butter. It is a long-standing tea-time favourite in Staffordshire.
Joxer Brasserie
Popular Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual lunches and dinners.
The Dog House
Stylish restaurant in Stafford town centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and grills in a relaxed, polished setting.
The Soup Kitchen
Traditional pub and dining room known for British classics, cask ales and a historic atmosphere near Stafford town centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in London, while rail travel and central pub meals can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
MyStaffs
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £8.50
To the city centre
Stafford Railway Station -> Stafford Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10–15 min
- The Knot day ticket gives unlimited same-day travel on most Staffordshire bus operators for £8.50. Check your operator is included before you buy.
- Stafford Railway Station has a taxi rank, and National Rail states the town centre is about a 10–15 min walk away.
FAQs: Watford to Stafford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Stafford 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 Stafford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Stafford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Watford to Stafford covers a distance of 173 km and takes approximately 1h 37m. Trains run 36 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Stafford is 173 km.
The first train from Watford to Stafford leaves at 5:33.
The last train from Watford to Stafford departs at 22:41.
Trains from Watford to Stafford run approximately 36 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Stafford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Watford and Stafford. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To travel from Watford to Stafford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Watford to Stafford.
The train station in Watford that goes to Stafford is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Stafford station (STA).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Stafford is by train, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Watford to Stafford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Watford to Stafford offers pleasant views of the English countryside, passing through areas of natural beauty, including fields and small towns, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Watford to Stafford is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 37m each way. However, there are trains available every 15 minutes, covering a distance of 173 km.
In Stafford, you can enjoy performances at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, explore scenic walking trails along the River Sow, and visit the vibrant Stafford Farmers' Market. For a bit of history, visit Stafford Castle for panoramic views, or the Ancient High House for its period rooms. Shugborough Estate offers a glimpse into Georgian life with its mansion and gardens. Art enthusiasts can discover local works at the Shire Hall Gallery, while Victoria Park provides a relaxing space with floral displays and a café. Golfers can enjoy a round at Stafford Castle Golf Club, and the Staffordshire County Museum offers insights into local history.
To fully explore Stafford's main attractions such as the Ancient High House, Stafford Castle, and the surrounding countryside, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Stafford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Stafford
Most Watford to Stafford trains use the Watford Junction to Stafford station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Stafford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Stafford
Which Watford station do trains to Stafford leave from?
Trains from Watford to Stafford leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction 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 and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Stafford station do trains from Watford arrive at?
Trains from Watford to Stafford arrive at Stafford. Stafford is from Stafford city centre.
StaffordStafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
Stafford train station facilities and services
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Stafford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: 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.
More options for your journey from Watford to Stafford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Stafford and Watford
Most popular train connections to Stafford
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
