- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$49
Fastest journey on Sep 14
6 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
7 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 14
13
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leeds to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Cardiff will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 13 buses from Leeds to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 280 km distance in an average of 7 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 8 h 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
NX131 · NX100 · NX202
NX131 · NX100 · NX202
NX131 · NX112
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX133 · NX111
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a train costs an average of $129.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m 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 Leeds to Cardiff:
A bus is $84 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leeds to Cardiff costing on average $129.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 35m.
Tickets start at around $45 compared to roughly $81 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $36. The journey takes 7h 35m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 9h29 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Cardiff buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX133 · NX111 | 12:50 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 6h40 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX561 · NX509 | 1:00 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 9h45 | 10:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 7h05 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX561 · NX509 | 2:30 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 9h29 | 11:59 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX131 · NX100 · NX202 | 4:30 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 8h20 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX426 · NX509 | 6:00 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 8h25 | 2:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 6h15 | 1:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX561 · NX509 | 7:15 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 8h30 | 3:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX467 · NX507 | 10:55 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 12h55 | 11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 10h05 | 10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 9h25 | 4:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX561 · NX509 | 6:45 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 9h35 | 4:20 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX131 · NX100 · NX202 | 8:25 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 8h05 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 8h00 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX131 · NX112 | 9:55 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 6h45 | 4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Leeds to Cardiff run on average 17 times per day, taking around 7h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 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 5h 10m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds 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.

Most Leeds to Cardiff buses use the Leeds, Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Leeds and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Leeds, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and snack kiosks available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Leeds, Coach Station.
Available at Leeds, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds, Coach Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistive services.
Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby cafes and eateries available
Wi-Fi is available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre). ATMs are available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre).
Ticket office support is available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre).
Available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop. ATMs are available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop.
Ticket office support is available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop.
Available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop: Bus stop is wheelchair accessible.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need