Cardiff to London Stansted Airport bus with National Express

Sat, May 23
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
RegioJet a.s.
Itabus
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
RegioJet a.s.
Itabus
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Showing times and prices for May 23

Cheapest price

€43

Average price

€67

Fastest journey

4 h 55 m

Average duration

5 h 8 m

Buses per day

16

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus 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 €67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
    4:45 PM6h40
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    11:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
    1:45 PM6h44
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    8:29 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
    5:30 PM6h20
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    11:50 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    431One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
    6:45 PM6h15
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    1:00 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    441One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA6
    7:45 PM6h40
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    2:25 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    501One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Omio 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 €15. 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 €15, and a train costs an average of €34.

Distance: 242 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€34

Average price

Cheapest

€62

Average price

5h 47m

Average total duration

5h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff to London Stansted Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport buses for tomorrow, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX201 · NX728
Delayed
1:40 PM 3:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h15
4:05 PM 4:05 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX728
Delayed
1:40 PM 5:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h55
4:05 PM 4:05 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
Delayed
7:30 AM 5:55 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h15
12:10 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX727
Delayed
1:40 PM 7:30 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h55
1:25 PM 1:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX727
Delayed
1:40 PM 9:25 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h00
2:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
On time
10:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h50
5:35 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
On time
11:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h32
6:02 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
On time
12:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h17
6:32 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · NX727
On time
12:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h05
6:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
On time
1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h44
8:29 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · NX727
On time
3:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h35
8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX727
On time
4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
On time
4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
11:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA8
On time
5:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h20
11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX507 · NXA8
On time
6:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h15
1:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NXA6
On time
7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
2:25 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to London Stansted Airport by train or bus

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.

Sat
May 23
Sun
May 24
Mon
May 25
Tue
May 26
Wed
May 27
Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Fri
Jun 12

Why should you book Cardiff to London Stansted Airport buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 19:23. The fastest bus covers the 242 km distance in 5h 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
242 km
Average bus duration
5h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
€15
Buses per day
16
Fastest bus
5h 10m
First bus
2:20 AM
Last bus
7:23 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Thu
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as €15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
€15
National Express frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport by bus. 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 bus, 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is €34; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is 5h 10m to travel the 242 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 2:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport leaves at 7:23 PM.
There are 16 coaches a day from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Cardiff
London
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

More options for your journey from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular buses to and from London Stansted Airport and Cardiff

HomeBusesBus tickets to London Stansted AirportCardiff to London Stansted Airport bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone