- Must visit
Museum in the Park
Award-winning local museum on Stroud's history, textiles, and arts, with changing exhibitions that give an excellent introduction to the district.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stroud among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Stroud:
A bus is $6 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Stroud costing on average $28 (€28).
Other travel options to Stroud take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 56m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€28) compared to roughly $17 (€17) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.56 (€-10.56). The journey takes 1h 19m versus 1h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Cardiff to Stroud run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€12) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (74 km) distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 45 miles (74 km) |
Average train duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€12) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Stroud — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stroud trip today.
Award-winning local museum on Stroud's history, textiles, and arts, with changing exhibitions that give an excellent introduction to the district.
Contemporary visual arts venue and gallery in central Stroud, known for strong exhibitions and support for regional artists and craftspeople.
Historic house museum near Stroud, preserving the home and collection of Edwin Beard Budding, inventor of the lawnmower.
Stroud's best-known green space, with museum grounds, landscaped gardens, play areas, and a relaxed setting close to the town centre.
Broad common above Stroud famous for sweeping valley views, open grazing land, and memorable walking close to town.
Beautiful beech woodland and commonland with panoramic viewpoints, wildlife, and rewarding walks above Stroud and the Severn Valley.
Single Gloucester cheese is a traditional Gloucestershire cow's milk cheese with a mellow, nutty taste, long tied to local dairy farming and regional identity.
Double Gloucester is a rich, firm regional cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its buttery flavour and long history in local cheesemaking.
Cheese rolling cheese is usually Double Gloucester, the iconic local cheese linked to Cooper's Hill and one of Gloucestershire's best-known traditions.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant in Stroud, known for seasonal local produce, polished cooking, and a relaxed intimate atmosphere.
Acclaimed Stroud institution famous for organic vegetarian food, wholesome cakes, and a laid-back community feel.
Historic pub in nearby Amberley known for elevated British dishes, local ingredients, and scenic Cotswold surroundings.
Moderate for the Cotswolds area. Hotels can be pricey in peak season, but pubs, casual meals, and local buses are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: optional small change or round up.
Official public transport app
Stroud Station -> Merrywalks, Stroud
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stroud 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 Stroud, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Stroud trains use the Cardiff Central to Stroud station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stroud 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.
Fairwater is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Fairwater has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Fairwater.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fairwater: Parking.
Available at Fairwater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fairwater: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Pwllmelin Road. Step free access is available to Platform 2 (to Radyr) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Fairwater Road. Both platforms are connected via a footbridge with steps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: This machine does not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Stroud is 1 km from Stroud city centre. Public transport options include:
Stroud has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Stroud.
Ticket office support is available at Stroud.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stroud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stroud: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stroud: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B2 - This station has a degree of step free access to each platform via drop off points however step free access between the ticket office and Platform 2 can only be achieved via a stepbridge on the station. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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.
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