Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport train with Great Western Railway

Fri, Jun 19
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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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 and prices for Jun 19

Cheapest price

$68

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

3 h 22 m

Average duration

3 h 31 m

Trains per day

16

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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayW35200+Elizabeth lineC37954+Greater AngliaP66219
    5:50 PM3h33
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    9:23 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $681One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35187+Greater AngliaP66490+Elizabeth lineC37911
    1:50 PM3h38
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:28 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $681One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35437+Greater AngliaP66341+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street
    8:18 PM3h51
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:09 AMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $681One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35202+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP02919
    7:18 PM3h37
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:55 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $731One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35194+Elizabeth lineC37766+Greater AngliaP66124
    3:54 PM3h34
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    7:28 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $731One-way
    2 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 prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $38.

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$74

Average price

$37

Average price

Cheapest

$67

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 28m

Average total duration

4h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 $37 (€30).

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

A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport costing on average $74 (€60).

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 3h 6m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 58m.

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 meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 21m sooner (3h 6m by train vs 3h 27m by car). Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $67 (€55) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

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 tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15046+Greater AngliaP02929+Elizabeth lineC3816112:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
3:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15047+Elizabeth lineC38195+Greater AngliaP6646812:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
4:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35434+Greater AngliaP66479+Elizabeth lineC378611:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
4:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35187+Elizabeth lineC37911+Greater AngliaP664901:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
5:28 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35188+Elizabeth lineC37952+Greater AngliaP664962:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h22
5:40 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15048+Elizabeth lineC37604+Greater AngliaP029042:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
6:27 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15049+Elizabeth lineC38086+Greater AngliaP661023:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h39
6:57 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35194+Elizabeth lineC37766+Greater AngliaP661243:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
7:28 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35435+Elizabeth lineC38197+Greater AngliaP661484:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
7:59 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35196+Greater AngliaP02910+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street4:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
8:24 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35198+Elizabeth lineC37494+Greater AngliaP661965:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
8:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35200+Elizabeth lineC37954+Greater AngliaP662195:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
9:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15050+Elizabeth lineC37993+Greater AngliaP662416:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
9:54 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35202+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP029197:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
10:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35437+Greater AngliaP66341+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street8:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h51
12:09 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers

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
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25

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 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 18:19. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 3h 23m.

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 $27 (€22)
Distance
150 miles (242 km)
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
$38 (€31)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 23m
First train
5:14 AM
Last train
6:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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 $27 (€22)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Stansted Airport from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
Great Western Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
$214 (€175)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to London Stansted Airport

Things to do in London Stansted Airport

Discover the best of London Stansted Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London Stansted Airport trip today.

  • Recommended

House on the Hill Toy Museum

A family-run museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with one of the largest toy collections in Europe, featuring dolls, model railways, and vintage games.

  • Recommended

Fry Art Gallery

A well-regarded gallery in Saffron Walden known for works by artists of the Great Bardfield group and rotating exhibitions.

  • Recommended

Henry Moore Foundation

A major sculpture destination at Perry Green with indoor galleries and outdoor works by Henry Moore in a rural setting.

Pound sterling

Airport prices are high. Meals, coffee, and convenience items usually cost more than in town.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-12 for snacks or fast food.
Mid-range
GBP 15-25 per person.
Fine dining
GBP 35+ per person.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included at airport restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is typical for table service. No tip is expected for fast food or coffee. Round up taxi fares if you wish.

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 $38 (€31), while the average price is around $74 (€60).
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport takes 3h 23m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 5:14 AM.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport is 150 miles (242 km).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Stansted Airport leaves at 6:19 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 $27 (€22).
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 3h 23m, 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, with some services arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. 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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · $2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

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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