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The cheapest and fastest buses from Leicester to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h 41 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
190 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leicester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Cardiff will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Leicester for Cardiff on Thu, Nov 06, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 6 h 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 7 h 50 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.
06:30AM7h50
Leicester02:20PMCardiff
$151One-way
0 transfers
03:00PM4h40
Leicester07:40PMCardiff
$201One-way
0 transfers
06:00PM6h55
Leicester12:55AMCardiff
$261One-way
0 transfers
07:15PM7h00
Leicester02:15AMCardiff
$291One-way
0 transfers
04:25AM7h00
Leicester11:25AMCardiff
$321One-way
0 transfers
03:00PM4h40
Leicester07:40PMCardiff
$201One-way
0 transfers
06:00PM6h55
Leicester12:55AMCardiff
$261One-way
0 transfers
07:15PM7h00
Leicester02:15AMCardiff
$291One-way
0 transfers
04:25AM7h00
Leicester11:25AMCardiff
$321One-way
0 transfers
06:30AM7h50
Leicester02:20PMCardiff
$151One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leicester to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 54m. 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 €16, and a train costs an average of €33.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€26 Average price Cheapest | €77 Average price |
5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m 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.
Leicester to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Live departures
Leicester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cardiff buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 3:57 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX150 · NX100 · NX202 | On time 4:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| NX150 · NX100 · NX202 | On time 4:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 8h00 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h10 | 1:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:00 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 7h50 | 1:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| 6:30 AM Leicester | 7h50 | 2:20 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 PM Leicester | 4h40 | 7:40 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:30 PM Leicester | 7h55 | 11:25 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Cardiff 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.
Thu
Nov 06
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 5h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 34 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Leicester to Cardiff start from as low as $20 (€16) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $31 (€26) depending on the train type and class.
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, Megabus from Leicester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus for as low as $20 (€16). 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
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
National Express frequency
21 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.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
FAQs: Bus from Leicester to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Cardiff can start from as little as $17 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Cardiff is $32 (€26); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Leicester to Cardiff bus travel time is 5 h 15 min for the 118 mile (190 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 8: 15PM.
There are 26 buses a day from Leicester to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Leicester to Cardiff bus with National Express or Megabus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the route to Cardiff from Leicester as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Leicester to Cardiff by bus is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Cardiff including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Leicester to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Leicester to Cardiff for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
- Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
- St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
- Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
- Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
- Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
- Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
- Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
- Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Leicester to Cardiff depends on the bus company:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Leicester to Cardiff, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Leicester to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Leicester 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 bus ticket from Leicester to Cardiff:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Leicester to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Leicester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Leicester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Leicester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Leicester to Cardiff
Leicester
Cardiff
The major bus station for departures in Leicester is Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) for your trip from Leicester to Cardiff.
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
information
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
information
Leicester, Braunstone
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip to Cardiff from Leicester.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
information
Cardiff, University
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
information
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
information
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Leicester
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