- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$48
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 24 m
Buses on Sep 19
19
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
It's difficult to get from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
NXA8 · NX509
NXA8 · NX509
NXA8 · NX509
NXA8 · NX507
NXA8 · NX509
NX727 · NX201
NX727 · NX201
NX728 · NX201
NX727 · NX201
NX728 · NX202Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a train costs an average of $80.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff:
A bus is $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff costing on average $80.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 23m.
Tickets start at around $57 compared to roughly $69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12. The journey takes 5h 23m versus 3h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 6h19 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:45 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 6h10 | 12:55 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 6h00 | 1:55 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 5h45 | 2:50 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
NX727 · NX201 | 4:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h15 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX507 | 6:10 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h40 | 11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX201 | 7:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h25 | 12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX509 | 7:05 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h05 | 1:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX507 | 7:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h15 | 2:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX201 | 9:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h25 | 2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX202 | 10:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h00 | 4:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX507 | 10:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h20 | 5:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX509 | 11:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h25 | 5:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX201 | 1:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h10 | 6:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff run on average 24 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 4h 20m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Buses per day 24 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stansted Mountfitchet 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.

Most Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff buses use the Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Stansted Mountfitchet and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need