- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with fine art, natural history, and geology collections in the city center. A top cultural stop in Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
4 h 14 m
Average duration
4 h 18 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.
W35417+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+
P76270
W35418+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+
P66314
W34618+
P76258+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
W34630+
P66363+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
W34624+
P66267+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
W35417+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+
P76270
W34618+
P76258+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
W35418+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+
P66314
W34634+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+
P66387
W34637+
P02928+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London PaddingtonOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff 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 2h 59m. 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 $45.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m 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 Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff:
A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff costing on average $74 (€61).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (2h 59m by train vs 3h 27m by car). Tickets start at around $74 (€61) 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 Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday, July 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34659+ P66461+ C38253 | Delayed 4:45 PM 4:17 PMStansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3h17 | 7:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50045+ P66484+ C38333 | Delayed 5:45 PM 5:17 PMStansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3h17 | 8:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50039+ C38417+ P66059 | Delayed 6:45 PM 6:17 PMStansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3h17 | 9:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01225+ P66109+ C38500 | Delayed 7:45 PM 7:17 PMStansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3h17 | 10:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01224+ P66156+ C38578 | Delayed 8:45 PM 8:17 PMStansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 3h17 | 11:34 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76258+ W34618+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 8:20 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h17 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G14957 · G15497+ P66668+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 8:40 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h42 | 1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P76270+ W35417+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 9:22 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h14 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76276+ C36982+ G14958 · G15498 | 9:52 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h24 | 2:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P66267+ W34624+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 10:17 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h20 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76288+ C37024+ G14960 · G15499 | 10:52 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h30 | 3:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P66314+ W35418+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 11:17 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h19 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76300+ C37062+ G14962 · G15500 | 11:52 AM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h24 | 4:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P66363+ W34630+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 12:17 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h21 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76311+ C36903+ G14964 · G15501 | 12:52 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h30 | 5:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P66387+ W34634+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 1:17 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h20 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76323+ C36945+ G14965 · G15502 | 1:52 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h20 | 6:12 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P02928+ W34637+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 2:17 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h20 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76335+ C36988+ G14966 · G15503 | 2:52 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h31 | 7:23 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
P66435+ G14942+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington | 3:17 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h21 | 7:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
P76347+ C37028+ G14967 · G15504 | 3:52 PM Stansted Mountfitchet station (SST) | 4h30 | 8:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 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 Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with fine art, natural history, and geology collections in the city center. A top cultural stop in Cardiff.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales’ most important heritage attractions.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industries, and urban development through accessible local stories and objects.
Revitalized waterfront district with striking public buildings, boardwalk-style walks, and some of the city’s most photographed views.
Large central park behind the castle with riverside paths, mature trees, and easy walking routes from the city center.
Historic Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades that define central Cardiff’s character and are popular for strolling and photography.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort foods and strongly associated with Cardiff and South Wales.
Toast topped with a savoury sauce of melted cheese, mustard, and ale or milk. It is a classic Welsh dish often served as a snack or light meal in pubs and cafes.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is a distinctive meat-free dish from South Wales and commonly found on local menus.
Established steak restaurant known for quality meat, wood-fired cooking, and an energetic dining room. A strong choice for Welsh beef and special-occasion meals.
A respected fine-dining venue serving polished British dishes in a unique setting, known for professional service and a memorable experience.
Well-known restaurant in a former bank vault, popular for modern Welsh and British cooking, especially pork dishes, with a stylish but relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Meals and transport are reasonable, while central hotels cost more on weekends and during major events.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up for taxis. Tipping is not expected in pubs or for takeaway.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff trains use the Stansted Mountfitchet to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Stansted Mountfitchet and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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.
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