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London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus with National Express

Wed, Jan 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jan 22

Cheapest price

$48

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

6 h 5 m

Average duration

6 h 13 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave London Stansted Airport for Cardiff on Thu, Jan 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jan 22 the direct buses cover the 242 km distance in an average of 6 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .

On Thu, Jan 22 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.

National Express
06:50PM6h05
London Stansted Airport
12:55AMCardiff
$481One-way
0 transfers
National Express
07:55PM6h20
London Stansted Airport
02:15AMCardiff
$511One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a train costs an average of €37.

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€35

Average price

Cheapest

€63

Average price

5h 58m

Average total duration

5h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

London Stansted Airport to Cardiff Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
11:00AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$99
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:40AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$114
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$99
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40AM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$109
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
07:35PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$94
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
10:35PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$47
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
01:40AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05PM
Arrival Time
03:10AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$47

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses for today, Wednesday, January 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:44 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX727 · NX201
Delayed
1:00 AM 4:45 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · NX201
Delayed
1:00 AM 6:40 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h45
12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · NX201
Delayed
1:00 AM 9:00 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · NX202
Delayed
1:00 AM 10:15 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · NX201
Delayed
1:00 AM 1:15 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
6:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · NX201
Delayed
1:00 AM 2:55 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h05
9:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX728 · NX201
On time
5:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
national_expressNX728 · NX201
On time
7:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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.

Thu
Jan 22
Fri
Jan 23
Sat
Jan 24
Sun
Jan 25
Mon
Jan 26
Tue
Jan 27
Wed
Jan 28

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff run on average 32 times per day, taking around 5h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 06:15, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 5h 50m.

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 28m
Cheapest ticket price
$31 (€25)
Buses per day
32
Fastest bus
5h 50m
First bus
06:15
Last bus
21:55
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 London Stansted Airport to CardiffYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with National Express for as low as $31 (€25). 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 50m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
National Express frequency
32 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.

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff can start from as little as $32 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff is $50 (€40); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Cardiff from London Stansted Airport (STN) is on average 5 h 20 min   for the 149 mile (241 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between London Stansted Airport (STN) and Cardiff by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff leaves at 5: 55AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff leaves at 10: 10PM.
There are 35 buses a day from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service to Cardiff from London Stansted Airport (STN) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff by bus is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
  • Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
  • St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
  • Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
  • National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
  • Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
  • Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
  • Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
  • Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff:
    • 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 London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

    London
    Cardiff
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to CardiffLondon Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus

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