- Must visit
Royal Armouries Museum
National museum with arms and armour from across the world, plus live demonstrations and major historic collections at Leeds Dock.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 20 m
Buses per day
18
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Leeds will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 18 buses that leave Cardiff for Leeds on Sat, Jun 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct buses cover the 280 km distance in an average of 6 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest buses will take 6 h 30 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
NX202 · NX101 · NX183
NX111 · NX131
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX112 · NX131
NX111 · NX131
NX111 · NX131Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Leeds among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 15m Average total duration 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train 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 Leeds:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Leeds costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Leeds take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 45m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $81 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€40). The journey takes 6h 45m versus 4h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leeds buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX216 · NX100 · NX131 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h15 | 9:25 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 6 | |||||
NX202 · NX106 · NX131 | Delayed 7:40 AM 2:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h45 | 12:30 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX509 · NX591 | Delayed 3:45 PM 3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h50 | 1:05 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX426 | Delayed 3:45 PM 4:50 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h10 | 2:00 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX101 · NX183 | Delayed 7:40 AM 6:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h50 | 2:30 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX507 · NX561 | Delayed 8:15 AM 6:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h55 | 3:40 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h35 | 1:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 4:45 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 4:45 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX133 | On time 9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h45 | 4:35 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX112 · NX131 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h25 | 5:45 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h05 | 7:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 · NX131 | On time 12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 7:10 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX131 | On time 1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 8:15 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 11:00 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX131 | On time 5:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h55 | 11:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX465 | On time 6:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h50 | 5:35 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX466 | On time 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h25 | 6:10 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX131 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h15 | 9:25 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus 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.
Buses from Cardiff to Leeds run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 173 miles (280 km) distance in 6h 0m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.
National museum with arms and armour from across the world, plus live demonstrations and major historic collections at Leeds Dock.
Major city gallery known for British art, a strong 20th-century collection, and temporary exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
International centre for sculpture with changing exhibitions, research collections, and an important focus on modern and contemporary sculpture.
One of Europe's largest urban parks, popular for lakes, gardens, walking routes, events, and highly shareable scenic views.
Historic main shopping street and pedestrian thoroughfare, useful for architecture, arcades, and the feel of central Leeds.
Regenerated waterfront area with modern public spaces, waterside walks, and frequent social media visibility around the museum quarter.
A baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
A traditional Yorkshire tart made with curd cheese, eggs, sugar, and spices, long associated with the region’s baking heritage.
A sticky ginger cake made with oats and black treacle, especially popular in Yorkshire during autumn and Bonfire Night.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in Leeds known for inventive tasting menus and theatrical presentation in an intimate setting.
A well-regarded modern grill restaurant above Headrow House, known for wood-fired cooking, seasonal British produce, and stylish atmosphere.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer, known for vibrant flavours, vegetarian dishes, and lively communal dining.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by event dates; dining and transport are moderate for UK city breaks.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not included, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. No tip needed for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Leeds Coach Station, Leeds -> Leeds Railway Station, Leeds
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leeds 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 Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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