- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
Large toy museum in nearby Stansted Mountfitchet with extensive collections of dolls, teddy bears, model railways, and vintage games. A popular family-friendly stop close to the airport.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Showing times and prices for Jun 04
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 23 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
242 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.
NX507 · NXA811:30 AM6h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens6:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer- NX507 · NXA89:45 AM6h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens4:30 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX509 · NXA81:30 PM6h35Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:05 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX509 · NXA810:30 AM6h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens5:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX507 · NXA86:00 PM6h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:20 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX201 · NX7277:20 AM5h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$931One-way1 transfer
- NX201 · NX7279:25 AM5h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:30 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$941One-way1 transfer
- NX201 · NX7285:25 AM5h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:35 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$1001One-way1 transfer
- NX201 · NX7283:25 AM5h30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:55 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$891One-way1 transfer
- NX201 · NX7272:35 PM6h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:40 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station$941One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 150 miles (242 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $68 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is a bus with an average price of $42 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
A bus is $35 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport costing on average $77 (€62).
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 3h 4m.
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cardiff to London Stansted Airport Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:32PM | Duration 6h17 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:29PM | Duration 6h44 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Live departures
Cardiff to London Stansted Airport bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport buses for tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX201 · NX728 | Delayed 8:25 AM 3:25 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h30 | 8:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX728 | Delayed 8:25 AM 5:25 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h10 | 10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX727 | Delayed 8:25 AM 7:20 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h05 | 12:05 PM 12:05 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX727 | On time 9:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h05 | 2:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX507 · NXA8 | Delayed 1:05 PM 9:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h45 | 4:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX509 · NXA8 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h55 | 5:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX507 · NXA8 | Delayed 1:05 PM 11:30 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h55 | 6:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX202 · NX727 | On time 12:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 7:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX509 · NXA8 | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h35 | 8:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX727 | On time 2:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h05 | 8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX727 | On time 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX507 · NXA8 | On time 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 12:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX509 · NXA6 | 7:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 2:25 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to London Stansted Airport by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Why should you book Cardiff to London Stansted Airport buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
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 Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 19:23. The fastest bus covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 5h 10m.
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 150 miles (242 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 2:20 AM |
Last bus 7:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as $19 (€15). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
National Express frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to London Stansted Airport
Things to do in London Stansted Airport
Discover the best of London Stansted Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London Stansted Airport trip today.
- Recommended
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Major sculpture destination in Perry Green showcasing Henry Moore's work across studios, galleries, and landscaped grounds. One of the strongest art-focused day trips from the Stansted area.
Fry Art Gallery
Small public art gallery in Saffron Walden focused on works by Great Bardfield artists. It is a respected local favorite for visitors interested in twentieth-century British art.
- Must visit
Hatfield Forest
Large ancient woodland and parkland managed by the National Trust, popular for lakeside walks, picnics, and nature photography. One of the best outdoor escapes immediately near Stansted Airport.
- Recommended
Stansted Mountfitchet Village Centre
Historic village center close to the airport with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and easy access to local heritage attractions. Ideal for a short walk between travel connections.
- Recommended
Saffron Walden Market Place
Historic town square surrounded by attractive buildings and independent shops. It is one of the prettiest nearby town centers and has become increasingly popular for day trips and social media content
Full English Breakfast
A Traditional Plate Of Eggs, Sausages, Bacon, Beans, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, And Toast, Widely Eaten Across England.
Fish And Chips
Battered White Fish Served With Chips, A Classic English Comfort Food Strongly Associated With Everyday Dining.
Pie And Mash
A Traditional London Favorite Of Savory Meat Pie Served With Mashed Potatoes, Often Topped With Parsley Liquor.
The Windmill
A Well-Known Traditional Pub In Stansted Mountfitchet Serving British Classics In A Relaxed Historic Setting.
The Dog And Duck
An Established Village Pub Near Stansted Known For Hearty British Pub Food And A Friendly Atmosphere.
The Rose And Crown
A Traditional English Pub And Restaurant Offering Classic Mains And A Comfortable Countryside Feel Near The Airport.
Pound Sterling
Airport prices are higher than in town. Snacks and coffee are costly, while sit-down meals are notably expensive for most travelers.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-12 for a snack or fast food.
- Mid-range
- GBP 15-25 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 35+ per person at upscale airport dining.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. No tip needed for counter service. Round up taxi fares if helpful.
TfL Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.80
- Day pass
- GBP 8.50
To the city center
London Stansted Airport -> Liverpool Street, London
- Distance
- 56 km
- Travel time
- 50 min
- Use Contactless or Oyster for TfL services; adult fares are capped daily, so a Day Travelcard is often unnecessary.
- On London buses, card payment is accepted only by Contactless or Oyster; cash is not accepted.
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is $42 (€34) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is 5h 10m to travel the 150 miles (242 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 2:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 7:23 PM.
There are 16 buses a day from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Cardiff nor London Stansted Airport are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Cardiff
London
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information
More options for your journey from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
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Most popular buses to and from London Stansted Airport and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to London Stansted Airport
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