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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$85
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$136
Fastest journey on Sep 21
3 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
4 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 21
6
Distance
242 km
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 $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.
G15043+
C37563+
P663969:49 AM3h34Cardiff Central (CDF)1:23 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$851One-way2 transfers- W35432+C37942+P663849:19 AM3h36Cardiff Central (CDF)12:55 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$1071One-way2 transfers
- G15041+C37849+P663608:18 AM3h37Cardiff Central (CDF)11:55 AMStansted Airport (SSD)$1121One-way2 transfers
- G15042+C37884+P663668:38 AM3h29Cardiff Central (CDF)12:07 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$1121One-way2 transfers
G01067 · G008149:45 AM5h55Cardiff Central (CDF)3:40 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$1721One-way1 transfer
- G15042+C37884+P663668:38 AM3h29Cardiff Central (CDF)12:07 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$1121One-way2 transfers
- G15043+C37563+P663969:49 AM3h34Cardiff Central (CDF)1:23 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$851One-way2 transfers
- W35432+C37942+P663849:19 AM3h36Cardiff Central (CDF)12:55 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$1071One-way2 transfers
- G15041+C37849+P663608:18 AM3h37Cardiff Central (CDF)11:55 AMStansted Airport (SSD)$1121One-way2 transfers
- G66712 · G008128:45 AM5h55Cardiff Central (CDF)2:40 PMStansted Airport (SSD)$2271One-way1 transfer
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 an average ticket price of $61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, while a train costs an average of $101.
Distance: 150 miles (242 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$101 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport costing on average $101.
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 16m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (3h 30m by train vs 3h 31m by car). Tickets start at around $101 compared to roughly $68 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 today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W35211+P66386+C36850 | On time 9:21 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 12:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| C00123+C36864+P66410 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 1:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| C33109+C36810+P66434 | On time 11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 2:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| W35438+C36822+P66458 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 3:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| W35439+P66481+C36835 | On time 1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 4:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| C00852 · C32966+C38112+P66497 | On time 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h12 | 5:37 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3 transfers | |
| W35220+P66052+C36851 | On time 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 5:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| W35442+C37814+P66104 | On time 3:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 6:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
| W35018 · W34504+P66138+C37887 | On time 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h12 | 7:37 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3 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?
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
Trains from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 but you can travel from only $26 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:23, the last at 10:22. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 150 miles (242 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 45m |
First train 7:23 AM |
Last train 10:22 AM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport from $26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Most Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trains use the Cardiff Central to Heathrow Terminal 5 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and London Stansted Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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 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
Most popular train connections to London Stansted Airport
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