- 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.
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least 2 times.
G15047+
C38195+
P66468
W35187+
C37911+
P66490
W35182+
C38126+
P66444
W35188+
P66496+
C37952
W35434+
P66479+
C37861
W35188+
P66496+
C37952
G15042+
P66366+
C37884
W35160+
C37618+
P02915
G15040+
P66261+
C38074
W35167+
P66308+
C37770Omio 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)
| 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) |
![]() 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 $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).
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 17m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35431+ C37570+ P66216 | 5:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h47 | 8:54 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35160+ C37618+ P02915 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h30 | 9:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15040+ P66261+ C38074 | 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h30 | 9:54 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35166+ C38125+ P66283 | 6:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 10:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15178 · W35167+ C37770+ P66308 | 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h58 | 10:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 3 transfers | |
W35167+ C37770+ P66308 | 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 10:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35169+ P02921+ C38186 | 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 11:23 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15041+ C37849+ P66360 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 11:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15042+ P66366+ C37884 | 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h29 | 12:07 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35432+ C37942+ P66384 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 12:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15043+ C37563+ P66396 | 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 1:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35178+ P02927+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street | 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 1:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15044+ C37660+ P66420 | 10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 2:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15045+ P66432+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street | 11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 2:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35182+ C38126+ P66444 | 11:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 3:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15046+ C38161+ P02929 | 12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 3:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15047+ P66468+ C38195 | 12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 4:23 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35434+ C37861+ P66479 | 1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 4:55 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35187+ C37911+ P66490 | 1:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 5:28 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
W35188+ C37952+ P66496 | 2:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 5:40 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2 transfers | |
G15048+ C37604+ P02904 | 2:54 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 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.
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.
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 |
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.
A family-run museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with one of the largest toy collections in Europe, featuring dolls, model railways, and vintage games.
A well-regarded gallery in Saffron Walden known for works by artists of the Great Bardfield group and rotating exhibitions.
A major sculpture destination at Perry Green with indoor galleries and outdoor works by Henry Moore in a rural setting.
A historic royal hunting forest and National Trust landscape ideal for walking, lakeside views, and a peaceful escape very close to the airport.
The village center with independent shops, historic character, and easy access to nearby heritage attractions.
A lively market-town center with riverside walks, shops, and historic streets useful for a short trip from the airport.
Battered white fish with chips, often served with mushy peas. A classic English comfort dish found across pubs and chippies.
A hearty breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. It is one of England’s most iconic meals.
Roast meat with potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding. A traditional British weekend meal with deep pub culture roots.
A well-known traditional pub in Stansted Mountfitchet serving classic British pub food in a relaxed, historic setting.
An established gastropub near Stansted known for British classics, ales, and a welcoming village atmosphere.
A recognizable airport dining option focused on seafood and a more polished sit-down experience inside the terminal.
Airport prices are high. Meals, coffee, and convenience items usually cost more than in town.
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.
Official public transport app
London Stansted Airport -> London Liverpool Street
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.

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