- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 2 buses that leave Stansted Mountfitchet for Cardiff on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 238 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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.




Omio 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 prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m 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 $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff costing on average $74 (€61).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
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.
| 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 $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
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 08:35PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 6h19 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
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 Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX728 · NX201 | On time 5:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h25 | 10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX728 · NX202 | On time 7:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h35 | 12:50 AM 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 33 times per day, taking around 5h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) 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 5h 25m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 33 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff -> Cardiff Central Station, Cardiff
Travelers arriving at Stansted airport wishing to visit the Welsh capital will find buses readily available. With almost 30 departures per day, there should be a coach to coincide with flight arrivals for incoming travelers. The 200-mile route can be covered in as little as 5 hours 25 minutes. There is no direct service, with all coaches requiring one change at either London Heathrow or London Victoria.
All services connecting Stansted airport and Cardiff are offered by National Express. The leading provider of coaches in the UK, National Express provides passengers with wifi, power sockets for charging personal items and spacious seating. All passengers are permitted 2 pieces of 20kg luggage, which is useful for anyone arriving by plane.
The fastest service between Stansted and Cardiff takes just 5 hours 25 minutes, including a transfer at Heathrow. Journey times vary slightly depending on wait time at transfer stations and taking into consideration traffic during peak travel time. Passengers can expect to complete the route in under 7 hours.
Sunday to Friday, passengers can expect up to 30 departures. On a Saturday there are 24 coaches traveling the route. During hours of service passengers shouldn't have to wait longer than an hour, with coaches departing as early as 5:00 a.m., continuing until 9:30 p.m. There is a service departing Stansted just before midnight, but it requires an overnight stay at London Victoria.
Departure station: All coaches depart from Stansted Airport Coach station, which can be found directly outside the terminus doors. Local routes serve the station, and passengers can also make use of the Stansted rail station. Facilities include pay phones, car parking, newsagents and coffee shops. Inside the airport, passengers can find a large range of dining options.
Arrival station: Passengers may alight at two places in Cardiff: Cardiff Castle Street or Cardiff Sophia Gardens. The two stations are less than a mile apart. Sophia Gardens in the main coach terminal for Cardiff, though Castle Street is slightly closer to the station. Wherever passengers depart they can make use of bus routes, taxis or trains for onward travel.
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.

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