London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus with National Express

Sat, Jun 06
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jun 06

Cheapest price

$40

Average price

$58

Fastest journey

5 h 10 m

Average duration

5 h 24 m

Buses per day

19

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 $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
    10:45 AM6h20
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    5:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
    6:10 AM5h40
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    11:50 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    7:05 AM6h05
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    1:10 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
    3:15 PM6h30
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    9:45 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    5:40 PM6h19
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    11:59 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $401One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $43.

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$39

Average price

Cheapest

$75

Average price

$70

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 56m

Average total duration

5h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 28m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $39 (€31).

This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff:

A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff costing on average $75 (€61).

The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 0m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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.

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
Everyday
Cheapest price
$60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
11:50AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:40AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:05AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
02:00PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55AM
Arrival Time
02:10PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40AM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:10AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15AM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
07:35PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
06:25PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40PM
Arrival Time
08:05PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
09:45PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
10:35PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40PM
Arrival Time
11:59PM
Duration
6h19
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
01:40AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
01:55AM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05PM
Arrival Time
02:55AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
03:45AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$35

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX727 · NX201
On time
4:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
Delayed
6:50 AM 6:10 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h40
11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX201
On time
7:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
Delayed
6:50 AM 7:05 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h05
3:45 PM 3:45 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
On time
7:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
2:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX201
On time
9:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX202
On time
10:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h00
4:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
On time
10:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h20
5:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
On time
11:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h25
5:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX201
On time
1:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h10
6:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
On time
1:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h25
8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX201
On time
2:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h40
8:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
On time
3:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h30
9:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX2015:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
On time
5:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h19
11:59 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX202
On time
7:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h35
12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
On time
7:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h00
1:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
On time
9:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h50
2:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
On time
10:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h40
3:45 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 bus or train

Compare bus and 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.

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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.

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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.

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 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 5h 30m.

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 26m
Cheapest ticket price
$27 (€22)
Buses per day
32
Fastest bus
5h 30m
First bus
5:10 AM
Last bus
10:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 $27 (€22). 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 30m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
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.

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

Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple meal.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.

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 to Cardiff can start from as little as $27 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is $39 (€31) ; 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is 5h 30m 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff leaves at 5:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff leaves at 10:05 PM.
There are 32 buses a day from London Stansted Airport 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 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 between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport 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 to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Cardiff 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 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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