The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Stafford
Cheapest price
$122
Average price
$176
Fastest journey
2 h 46 m
Average duration
2 h 46 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Stafford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stafford will cost around $176 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Stafford without transferring at least once.
5:19 AM3h12Cardiff8:31 AMStafford$1221One-way2 transfers
4:33 AM3h17Cardiff7:50 AMStafford$1611One-way1 transfer
5:49 AM3h01Cardiff8:50 AMStafford$1611One-way1 transfer
6:46 AM3h03Cardiff9:49 AMStafford$1611One-way1 transfer
7:53 AM2h57Cardiff10:50 AMStafford$1611One-way1 transfer
7:45 AM2h46Cardiff10:31 AMStafford$1991One-way1 transfer
9:45 AM2h46Cardiff12:31 PMStafford$1991One-way1 transfer
10:45 AM2h46Cardiff1:31 PMStafford$1991One-way1 transfer
11:45 AM2h46Cardiff2:31 PMStafford$1991One-way1 transfer
12:45 PM2h46Cardiff3:31 PMStafford$1991One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Stafford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stafford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $122. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $122, and a train costs an average of $122.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$174 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 1h 2m sooner (2h 32m by train vs 3h 34m by car). Tickets start at around $174 (€142) compared to roughly $48 (€39) 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 Stafford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stafford trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 AM Cardiff | 3h08 | 11:31 AM Stafford | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 8:42 AM Cardiff | 3h26 | 12:08 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Cardiff | 3h04 | 12:49 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:43 AM Cardiff | 3h07 | 1:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:40 AM Cardiff | 3h10 | 2:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 2h46 | 2:31 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:39 PM Cardiff | 3h11 | 3:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Cardiff | 3h31 | 5:01 PM Stafford | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Cardiff | 2h46 | 4:31 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:51 PM Cardiff | 2h59 | 4:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:55 PM Cardiff | 2h55 | 5:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Cardiff | 2h46 | 6:31 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:55 PM Cardiff | 2h55 | 6:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:41 PM Cardiff | 3h09 | 7:50 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:45 PM Cardiff | 2h46 | 8:31 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:55 PM Cardiff | 3h35 | 9:30 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:42 PM Cardiff | 3h30 | 10:12 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:39 PM Cardiff | 9h49 | 5:28 AM Stafford | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:45 PM Cardiff | 2h46 | 10:31 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:11 PM Cardiff | 8h19 | 5:30 AM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Cardiff | 10h26 | 9:01 AM Stafford | 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 Stafford by train
Compare train 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Cardiff to Stafford trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Stafford.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Stafford
Trains from Cardiff to Stafford run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $122 (€100) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:54, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $122 (€100) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 5:54 AM |
Last train 9:21 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Stafford trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Stafford from $122 (€100). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Stafford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stafford 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 Stafford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Stafford
Most Cardiff to Stafford trains use the Cardiff Central to Stafford station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stafford 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 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.
Which Stafford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre
Stafford train station facilities and services
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Stafford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Stafford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

