The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Leicester
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 15 m
Buses per day
46
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Leicester will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Leicester without transferring at least once.
NX509 · NX440
NX509 · NX440
NX509 · NX440
NX509 · NX440
NX509 · NX440
NX112 · NX151
NX111 · NX150
NX202 · NX101 · NX150
NX111 · NX180
NX509 · NX440Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 53m. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price |
6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Cardiff to Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester buses for today, Thursday, March 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 3:15 AM 3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h05 | 10:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h10 | 12:25 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h45 | 12:00 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h30 | 1:10 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h10 | 12:50 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX180 | 5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h40 | 11:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX440 | On time 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h05 | 1:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX777 | On time 6:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h25 | 2:30 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 2:10 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 3:15 AM 7:15 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 2:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX777 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h10 | 7:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, March 6 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 9:30 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h15 | 9:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h10 | 10:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h00 | 12:10 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h35 | 11:45 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 1:45 PM 3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h05 | 12:20 PM 12:20 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 1:45 PM 4:20 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h10 | 12:30 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h35 | 1:35 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h10 | 1:10 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 1:45 PM 5:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h35 | 12:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 2:10 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h30 | 2:35 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX101 · NX150 | 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 12:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX509 · NX440 | Delayed 1:45 PM 6:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h10 | 2:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h20 | 3:30 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h50 | 4:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX440 | Delayed 10:45 AM 7:30 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h20 | 3:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h35 | 5:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 4:45 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 10h00 | 6:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h35 | 6:30 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 6:40 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h25 | 7:05 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX112 · NX151 | 11:05 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 4:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h20 | 9:00 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h40 | 9:20 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h25 | 10:30 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h50 | 10:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX150 | 1:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h40 | 7:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | On time 1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h20 | 9:05 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | On time 2:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 10:40 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 10:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h20 | 11:10 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX440 | On time 3:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 11:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | On time 5:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h35 | 1:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX440 | On time 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 2:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus 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 Leicester 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leicester.
- 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 Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Leicester
Buses from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 31 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Buses per day 31 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest month Jan |
Cheapest day Sun |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Mon |
Least busy day Sun |
Best day to book ahead 7 days |
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus from Cardiff to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Leicester with National Express, Megabus for as low as $18 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
Megabus
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Leicester
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