- Must visit
Royal Armouries Museum
The National Museum of Arms and Armour with major collections from across the world, interactive galleries, and regular live demonstrations. One of Leeds' signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$158
Average price
$218
Fastest journey
4 h 11 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Leeds will cost around $218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Leeds without transferring at least once.
W35233+
G00724
W29792+
Y61969+
G89518
G66836 · G00731
G66798 · W29795+
G89524
G66783 · G01078+
G89508
W35233+
G00724
G66836 · G00731
G66783 · G01078+
G89508
G66798 · W29795+
G89524
W29792+
Y61969+
G89518Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Leeds among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Cardiff to Leeds:
A bus is $48 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Leeds costing on average $79 (€65).
Other travel options to Leeds take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 45m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leeds trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35165+ G01059+ G89463 | On time 6:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h50 | 11:38 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 2 transfers | |
G00937 · G00740 | On time 7:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h31 | 12:16 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 1 transfer | |
C42288+ G01061 · G00740 | On time 7:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h26 | 12:16 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 2 transfers | |
G66713 · G00699 | On time 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h29 | 1:14 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 1 transfer | |
W35174+ G01065 · G00699 | On time 8:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h23 | 1:14 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 2 transfers | |
G00892 · G00700 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h34 | 2:19 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Leeds run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (280 km) distance in 4h 18m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average train duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 2:20 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.
The National Museum of Arms and Armour with major collections from across the world, interactive galleries, and regular live demonstrations. One of Leeds' signature cultural attractions.
Leading city gallery known for British art, strong modern and contemporary collections, and an elegant historic interior beside Millennium Square.
Specialist centre for sculpture with changing exhibitions, research collections, and a strong connection to Yorkshire-born artist Henry Moore.
Upscale covered arcade district famed for ornate architecture, luxury shopping, and highly photogenic interiors that are popular on social media.
Leeds' historic main shopping street, notable for its arcades, architectural details, and constant city-centre atmosphere.
One of Europe's largest urban parks, with lakes, open parkland, woodlands, and broad walking routes that are very popular with locals.
A baked batter pudding from Yorkshire, traditionally served with roast beef and gravy; one of the region’s best-known classics.
A traditional British roast dinner commonly enjoyed in Leeds pubs, usually with roast meat, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding.
A crumbly Yorkshire cheese often eaten with fruit cake or crackers; a classic regional product from nearby North Yorkshire.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in Leeds known for inventive tasting menus and a theatrical, modern atmosphere.
Popular casual spot serving Indian street food and craft beer, with a lively atmosphere and strong vegetarian selection.
Well-regarded restaurant focused on wood-fired cooking, seasonal British ingredients, and a stylish but relaxed setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service charge is uncommon outside some upscale places. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds -> Leeds Station, Leeds
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leeds 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 Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Leeds trains use the Cardiff Central to Leeds station pair, with some services arriving at Burley Park. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leeds train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Leeds has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.
Burley Park is 2 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Burley Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Burley Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Burley Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Burley Park: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Burley Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Persons in wheelchairs can gain easy access onto both platforms. However to get onto the Harrogate bound platform you have to go a long way round it will take approx 5-7 minutes, 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 ticket machines note: Cards Only - No Cash Accepted, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Headingley is 3 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Headingley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Headingley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Headingley: Parking.
Available at Headingley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Headingley: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station. The conductor will carry out any assistance, please wait on the platform. This station has recently benefitted from the installation of lifts, level access to platform 1 with platform 2 being accessible using the lift and a short subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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