The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Cardiff
- Cheapest price on 12 Nov
- €35
- Average ticket price on 12 Nov
- €51
- Fastest journey on 12 Nov
- 3 h 3 m
- Average journey duration on 12 Nov
- 3 h 7 m
- Trains on 12 Nov
- 4
- Distance
- 190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Cardiff will cost around €51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only €35.
On Thu, 12 Nov, we found 4 trains from Leicester to Cardiff, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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.

6:22 AM 3h03 Leicester 9:25 AM Cardiff €35 1 One-way 0 changes
9:16 AM 3h09 Leicester 12:25 PM Cardiff €52 1 One-way 0 changes
11:18 AM 3h07 Leicester 2:25 PM Cardiff €53 1 One-way 0 changes
10:16 AM 3h09 Leicester 1:25 PM Cardiff €64 1 One-way 0 changes

6:22 AM 3h03 Leicester 9:25 AM Cardiff €35 1 One-way 0 changes
11:18 AM 3h07 Leicester 2:25 PM Cardiff €53 1 One-way 0 changes
10:16 AM 3h09 Leicester 1:25 PM Cardiff €64 1 One-way 0 changes
9:16 AM 3h09 Leicester 12:25 PM Cardiff €52 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Cardiff
Trains from Leicester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €32 but you can travel from only €13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 2h 28m.
Distance 190 km |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €32 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 28m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Live departures
Leicester to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:22 AM Leicester | 3h03 | 9:25 AM Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:16 AM Leicester | 3h09 | 12:25 PM Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:16 AM Leicester | 3h09 | 1:25 PM Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:18 AM Leicester | 3h07 | 2:25 PM Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Leicester to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Cardiff.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Cardiff.
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains from Leicester to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Leicester and Cardiff from €13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Leicester and Cardiff
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Leicester to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Cardiff by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Cardiff
Most Leicester to Cardiff trains use the Leicester to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Leicester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
More options for your journey from Leicester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
