Cardiff to London Stansted Airport train with Great Western Railway

Mon, Jun 22
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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 to London Stansted Airport

Showing times and prices for Jun 22

Cheapest price

$45

Average price

$74

Fastest journey

3 h 22 m

Average duration

3 h 29 m

Trains per day

21

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff 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 to London Stansted Airport will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayG15047+Elizabeth lineC38195+Greater AngliaP66468
    12:50 PM3h33
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    4:23 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $451One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35187+Elizabeth lineC37911+Greater AngliaP66490
    1:50 PM3h38
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:28 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $511One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35182+Elizabeth lineC38126+Greater AngliaP66444
    11:50 AM3h33
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    3:23 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $511One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35188+Greater AngliaP66496+Elizabeth lineC37952
    2:18 PM3h22
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:40 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35434+Greater AngliaP66479+Elizabeth lineC37861
    1:18 PM3h37
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    4:55 PMStansted Airport (SSD)
    $571One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $42.

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$76

Average price

$42

Average price

Cheapest

$67

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 47m

Average total duration

5h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 31m

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 to London Stansted Airport is a bus with an average price of $42 (€34).

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

A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport costing on average $76 (€62).

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 3h 4m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 17m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff 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 27m sooner (3h 4m by train vs 3h 31m by car). Tickets start at around $76 (€62) 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 to London Stansted Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW35431+Elizabeth lineC37570+Greater AngliaP662165:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h47
8:54 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35160+Elizabeth lineC37618+Greater AngliaP029155:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h30
9:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15040+Greater AngliaP66261+Elizabeth lineC380746:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h30
9:54 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35166+Elizabeth lineC38125+Greater AngliaP662836:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
10:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15178 · W35167+Elizabeth lineC37770+Greater AngliaP663086:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h58
10:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35167+Elizabeth lineC37770+Greater AngliaP663087:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
10:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35169+Greater AngliaP02921+Elizabeth lineC381867:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
11:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15041+Elizabeth lineC37849+Greater AngliaP663608:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
11:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15042+Greater AngliaP66366+Elizabeth lineC378848:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h29
12:07 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35432+Elizabeth lineC37942+Greater AngliaP663849:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
12:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15043+Elizabeth lineC37563+Greater AngliaP663969:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
1:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35178+Greater AngliaP02927+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
1:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15044+Elizabeth lineC37660+Greater AngliaP6642010:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
2:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15045+Greater AngliaP66432+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
2:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35182+Elizabeth lineC38126+Greater AngliaP6644411:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
3:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15046+Elizabeth lineC38161+Greater AngliaP0292912:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
3:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15047+Greater AngliaP66468+Elizabeth lineC3819512:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
4:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35434+Elizabeth lineC37861+Greater AngliaP664791:18 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

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.

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

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:48, 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 $19 (€15)
Distance
150 miles (242 km)
Average train duration
3h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
$42 (€34)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 23m
First train
5:48 AM
Last train
6:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Thu
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 $19 (€15)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport from $19 (€15). 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
$42 (€34)
Great Western Railway frequency
7 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
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
$213 (€174)
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 to London Stansted Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 to London Stansted Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€34), while the average price is around $76 (€62).
The train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport takes 3h 23m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 5:48 AM.
The distance by train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is 150 miles (242 km).
The last train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 6:19 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is by bus, with a cost of around $19 (€15).
The train journey from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque Welsh countryside and the historic Chiltern Hills, but much of the route focuses more on urban and suburban landscapes.
A day trip from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 23m each way. Trains run 7 times per day for this 150 miles (242 km) journey.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Since neither Cardiff 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff 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 to London Stansted Airport

Cardiff
London
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
  • Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
  • Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.

Most popular trains to and from London Stansted Airport and Cardiff

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