Cardiff to London Stansted Airport train with Great Western Railway

Thu, Nov 05
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
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, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 05
Cheapest price on Nov 05
€39
Average ticket price on Nov 05
€72
Fastest journey on Nov 05
3 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Nov 05
3 h 30 m
Trains on Nov 05
27
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 €72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayW35187+Elizabeth lineC37911+Greater AngliaP66490
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35200+Elizabeth lineC37954+Greater AngliaP66219
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35196+Greater AngliaP02910+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35194+Elizabeth lineC37766+Greater AngliaP66124
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35202+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP02919
    2 transfers

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 6 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €22 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:16, the last at 15:50. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 2h 45m.

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 €22

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance150 miles (242 km)
  • Average train duration3h 28m
  • Cheapest ticket price€38
  • Trains per day6
  • Fastest train2h 45m
  • First train4:16 AM
  • Last train3:50 PM
  • Cheapest MonthMay
  • Cheapest DayWed
  • High SeasonJul - Sep
  • Low SeasonJan - Mar
  • Busiest DayMon
  • Least Busy DayThu
  • Best time to book2 days

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

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 €22

Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

Train ticket prices from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €38, while the average price is around €85.
The train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport takes 2h 45m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 4:16 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 3:50 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

Live departures

Cardiff to London Stansted Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport trains for today, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15041+Elizabeth lineC37849+Greater AngliaP66360
On time
8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
11:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15042+Elizabeth lineC37884+Greater AngliaP66366
On time
8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h29
12:07 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG66712 · G00812
On time
8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h55
2:40 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW35432+Elizabeth lineC37942+Greater AngliaP66384
On time
9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
12:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG01067 · G00814
On time
9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h55
3:40 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15043+Elizabeth lineC37563+Greater AngliaP66396
On time
9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
1:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35178+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP02927
On time
10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
1:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15044+Elizabeth lineC37660+Greater AngliaP66420
On time
10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
2:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15046+Elizabeth lineC38161+Greater AngliaP02929
On time
12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
3:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG00947 · G0082412:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h02
6:47 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15047+Elizabeth lineC38195+Greater AngliaP66468
On time
12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
4:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35434+Elizabeth lineC37861+Greater AngliaP66479
On time
1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
4:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG00905 · G008261:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h54
7:39 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW35187+Elizabeth lineC37911+Greater AngliaP66490
On time
1:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
5:28 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35188+Elizabeth lineC37952+Greater AngliaP66496
On time
2:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h22
5:40 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15048+Elizabeth lineC37604+Greater AngliaP02904
On time
2:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
6:27 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35435+Elizabeth lineC38197+Greater AngliaP66148
On time
4:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
7:59 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35196+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP02910
On time
4:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
8:24 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35198+Elizabeth lineC37494+Greater AngliaP66196
On time
5:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
8:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35200+Elizabeth lineC37954+Greater AngliaP66219
On time
5:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
9:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15050+Elizabeth lineC37993+Greater AngliaP66241
On time
6:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
9:54 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35202+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP02919
On time
7:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
10:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry 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 CrossCountry 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
  • 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.

Train companies

Train companies from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Trains from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. Night trains available on this route with Great Western Railway. High-speed trains available on this route with Great Western Railway. Regional trains available on this route with Great Western Railway. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
€38
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
5h 17m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
€136
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Yes, there is a night train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
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.

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
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most popular trains to and from London Stansted Airport and Cardiff

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