Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport train

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

€34

Average ticket price on Sep 18

€57

Fastest journey on Sep 18

3 h 33 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

3 h 43 m

Trains on Sep 18

4

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport will cost around €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €34.

Fast trains

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport, including 4 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 242 km distance in an average of 3 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 33 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 48 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    4:50 PM3h33
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    8:23 PMLondon Stansted Airport
    341One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:19 AM3h48
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:07 PMLondon Stansted Airport
    641One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:49 AM3h48
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:37 PMLondon Stansted Airport
    651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    10:13 AM3h42
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:55 PMLondon Stansted Airport
    651One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €53, while a train costs an average of €81.

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€81

Average price

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€56

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 46m

Average total duration

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is a bus with an average price of €53.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport:

A bus is €28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport costing on average €81.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 3h 29m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €81 compared to roughly €56 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-25.45. The journey takes 3h 29m versus 3h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway8:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h48
12:37 PM London Stansted Airport0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h48
1:37 PM London Stansted Airport0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
1:23 PM London Stansted Airport0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €43 but you can travel from only €23 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 19:20. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 2h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €23
Distance
150 miles (242 km)
Average train duration
3h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
€43
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 50m
First train
7:15 AM
Last train
7:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Wed
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €23

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport by train. 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 train, 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €43, while the average price is around €81.
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport takes 2h 50m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is 150 miles (242 km).
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 7:15 AM.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 7:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is by bus, with a cost of around €23.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to London Stansted Airport offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Wales and parts of England. However, much of the route focuses on urban and suburban landscapes as it approaches London.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to London Stansted Airport is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 50m, and trains run 8 times per day. The distance is 150 miles (242 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport.
Since neither Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
Popular day trips by train from London Stansted Airport include London, Cambridge, Peterborough, Bishop's Stortford, Norwich.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport trains use the Cardiff Central to Heathrow Terminal 5 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in London
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from London Stansted Airport and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to London Stansted AirportCardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport train

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