Leicester to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Mon, 28 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Sept

Cheapest price on 28 Sept

55RM

Average ticket price on 28 Sept

57RM

Fastest journey on 28 Sept

3 h 3 m

Average journey duration on 28 Sept

3 h 7 m

Trains on 28 Sept

3

Distance

190 km

Cheap tickets

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 57RM if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 55RM.

Fast trains

On Mon, 28 Sept, we found 3 trains from Leicester to Cardiff, including 3 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.

  • CrossCountry
    10:16 AM3h09
    Leicester
    1:25 PMCardiff
    55 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    7:22 AM3h03
    Leicester
    10:25 AMCardiff
    58 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    9:16 AM3h09
    Leicester
    12:25 PMCardiff
    59 RM1One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Leicester to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry7:22 AM Leicester
3h03
10:25 AM Cardiff0 changesdirect
CrossCountry9:16 AM Leicester
3h09
12:25 PM Cardiff0 changesdirect
CrossCountry10:16 AM Leicester
3h09
1:25 PM Cardiff0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Cardiff by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct

Why should you book Leicester to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Leicester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Cardiff.

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 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 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 34RM but you can travel from only 13RM 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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 13RM
Distance
190 km
Average train duration
2h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
34RM
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 28m
First train
5:07 AM
Last train
8:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
42 days
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 13RM

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Leicester to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Leicester and Cardiff from 13RM. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
34RM
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
53RM
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Leicester to Cardiff can start from as little as 34RM when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Leicester to Cardiff is 74RM; 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 train from Leicester to Cardiff is 2h 28m to travel the 190 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 5:07 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 8:50 pm.
There are 6 trains a day from Leicester to Cardiff which require at least one change with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Leicester to Cardiff, you can count on CrossCountry, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Leicester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 28m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.

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.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Leicester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Cardiff leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · 2RM · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · 2RM · every ~14 min

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.

More options for your journey from Leicester to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomLeicester to Cardiff train

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