London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus with National Express

Fri, Jul 17
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jul 17

Cheapest price

€31

Average price

€45

Fastest journey

5 h 25 m

Average duration

5 h 36 m

Buses per day

19

Distance

242 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    7:55 PM6h00
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    1:55 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    €311One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    9:05 PM5h50
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    2:55 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    €321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    10:05 PM5h40
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    3:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    €321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX507
    10:40 AM7h25
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    6:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    €331One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX509
    11:10 AM7h20
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    6:30 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    €331One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, and a train costs an average of €34.

Distance: 242 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€61

Average price

5h 56m

Average total duration

5h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX727 · NX2011:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
6:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5091:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h45
8:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX2012:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h05
9:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5093:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h30
9:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX2015:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h25
10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5096:45 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h10
12:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX2017:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5099:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h10
3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX50711:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
12h10
12:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
Friday, July 17
National ExpressNX727 · NX2014:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5075:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h15
12:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX2016:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h45
12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5077:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h55
2:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX2019:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h45
2:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX20210:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h30
4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX50710:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
7h25
6:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX50911:10 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
7h20
6:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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.

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Jul 17
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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses with Omio?

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

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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff run on average 32 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €22 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 242 km distance in 5h 30m.

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 26m
Cheapest ticket price
€22
Buses per day
32
Fastest bus
5h 30m
First bus
5:10 AM
Last bus
10:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 London Stansted Airport to CardiffYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with National Express for as low as €22. 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 30m
Cheapest Price
€22
National Express frequency
32 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.
Learn more about National Express

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is €31; 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is 5h 30m 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff leaves at 5:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff leaves at 10:05 PM.
There are 32 coaches a day from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff:
  • 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 London Stansted Airport to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

Most London Stansted Airport to Cardiff buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare London Stansted Airport and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · €2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)

More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Cardiff

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

Return journeys for buses from Cardiff to London Stansted Airport
Tickets and more information for coaches to London Stansted Airport
Tickets and more information for coaches to Cardiff

Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and London Stansted Airport

Bus London - Cardiff
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Bus Bristol - Cardiff
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Bus Glasgow - Cardiff
Bus London Victoria (VIC) - Cardiff
Bus Stansted Mountfitchet - Cardiff
Bus Luton - Cardiff
Bus Birmingham - Cardiff
Bus Oxford - Cardiff
Bus Leicester - Cardiff
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Bus London Gatwick Airport - Cardiff
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Bus London Heathrow Airport - Cardiff
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Bus London Stansted Airport - London
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Bus London Stansted Airport - London Victoria (VIC)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Leeds
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Luton Airport
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Bus London Stansted Airport - London Liverpool Street (LST)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Southampton
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Bus London Stansted Airport - Swansea
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Heathrow Airport
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Euston (EUS)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Stratford (London) (SRA)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Tottenham Hale (TOM)
Bus London Stansted Airport - London St Pancras International (STP)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Stratford
Bus London Stansted Airport - Canterbury
Bus London Stansted Airport - Derby
HomeBusesBus tickets to CardiffLondon Stansted Airport to Cardiff bus

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