Cardiff to Leicester bus with FlixBus

Tue, Oct 20
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Leicester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 20

Cheapest price on Oct 20

$27

Average ticket price on Oct 20

$29

Fastest journey on Oct 20

7 h 45 m

Average journey duration on Oct 20

8 h 3 m

Buses on Oct 20

2

Distance

190 km

Cheap tickets

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 $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.

Fast buses

On Tue, Oct 20, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Leicester, including 2 direct services.

On Tue, Oct 20 the direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 8 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .

On Tue, Oct 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 20 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
    2:50 PM8h20
    Cardiff
    11:10 PMLeicester
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    4:15 PM7h45
    Cardiff
    12:00 AMLeicester
    $311One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 26 times per day, taking around 6h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€20) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 3h 50m.

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
118 miles (190 km)
Average bus duration
6h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€20)
Buses per day
26
Fastest bus
3h 50m
First bus
12:40 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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

Cardiff to Leicester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
11:50AM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
02:15PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:10AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
02:50PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
05:55PM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
04:45PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:30AM
Arrival Time
07:00PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:50PM
Arrival Time
11:10PM
Duration
8h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
12:00AM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
12:10AM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
11:40PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
12:30AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
01:05AM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:20PM
Arrival Time
11:15PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
02:55AM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$36

Live departures

Cardiff to Leicester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester buses for today, Monday, October 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX111 · NX1519:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h50
4:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX44011:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h45
7:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX15012:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h45
7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station2 transfers
National ExpressNX508 · NX4401:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h20
9:10 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
9:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX4403:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h15
10:30 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX507 · NX4404:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h40
12:10 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
11:40 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus5:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
12:30 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h55
11:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Leicester.

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 FlixBus 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 or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus 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.

Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Leicester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $23 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$26 (€21)
FlixBus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 National Express Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$23 (€20)
National Express frequency
12 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.

Complete guide to Leicester

Things to do in Leicester

Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.

  • Must visit

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.

  • Recommended

Abbey Pumping Station

A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Leicester can start from as little as $23 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Leicester is $44 (€37) ; 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 bus from Cardiff to Leicester is 3h 50m to travel the 118 miles (190 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to Leicester leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Leicester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 26 buses a day from Cardiff to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Leicester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Leicester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Leicester depends on the bus 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Leicester:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Leicester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cardiff to Leicester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Leicester

Most Cardiff to Leicester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Leicester

Which Cardiff station do buses to Leicester leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Leicester leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · $3 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $2 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

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