- Must visit
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Interactive aviation museum by Stansted Airport with historic aircraft and exhibits. A top local visit for transport, engineering, and family interest.
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
3 h 27 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Stansted Mountfitchet on Sun, Jul 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $57.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet costing on average $78 (€64).
Other travel options to Stansted Mountfitchet take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 45m.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (3h 5m by train vs 3h 31m by car). Tickets start at around $78 (€64) 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 Stansted Mountfitchet trains for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35184+ C37765+ P76339 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 4:13 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 2 transfers | |
C42262 · W34497+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66480 | On time 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h17 | 4:47 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3 transfers | |
C42292+ P76351+ C37837 | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 5:13 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 2 transfers | |
C42264 · W34501+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66051 | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h17 | 5:47 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3 transfers | |
C42293+ P76363+ C37921 | On time 2:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h52 | 6:13 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 2 transfers | |
C42266 · W34506+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66103 | On time 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h17 | 6:47 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
![]() | 8:50 AM Cardiff | 3h57 | 12:47 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Cardiff | 3h27 | 12:47 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Cardiff | 3h38 | 1:13 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Stansted Mountfitchet run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 3h 27m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 3h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 5:22 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Stansted Mountfitchet — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted Mountfitchet trip today.
Interactive aviation museum by Stansted Airport with historic aircraft and exhibits. A top local visit for transport, engineering, and family interest.
Acclaimed university museum with archaeology, anthropology, and world cultures collections. It is a strong day-trip choice from Stansted by rail.
Hands-on museum at the castle complex featuring vintage toys, models, and nostalgic displays. Fun, compact, and especially good for families.
Open heath and woodland managed by the National Trust near the airport. Good for walking, wildlife, and broad views over the countryside.
Wooded reserve beside the castle with tame deer and walking paths. Popular with families for a gentle outdoor break in the village centre.
Main village street with period buildings, independent shops, and a traditional high street feel. Best for strolling and seeing local daily life.
Essex oysters are a county specialty from nearby coastal waters, prized for their briny flavor and long local shellfish tradition.
Tiptree jam is a famous Essex preserve made from local fruit, traditionally served at breakfast or afternoon tea across the county.
Saffron bun is linked to nearby Saffron Walden, a lightly sweet enriched bun scented with saffron, reflecting the area's historic saffron trade.
Established Indian restaurant in the village centre, valued for classic curries and friendly service in a casual dining setting.
Historic coaching inn and restaurant with a traditional pub atmosphere, known for British classics, roasts, and a strong local reputation.
Well-known village pub offering British comfort food, drinks, and a relaxed setting popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for England. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are similar to other commuter towns near London.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis often round up or add about 10%. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Stansted Airport Station -> Stansted Mountfitchet Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet 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 Stansted Mountfitchet, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Stansted Mountfitchet trains use the Cardiff Central to Stansted Mountfitchet station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stansted Mountfitchet train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Stansted Mountfitchet has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food options include: Cork House
Wi-Fi is available at Stansted Mountfitchet.
Ticket office support is available at Stansted Mountfitchet.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stansted Mountfitchet: Parking, WC.
Available at Stansted Mountfitchet: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stansted Mountfitchet: Staff help available: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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