The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Loughborough
Cheapest price
$183
Average price
$213
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 29 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
197 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough will cost around $213 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $183.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Loughborough without transferring at least once.
8:23 AM4h12Cardiff12:35 PMLoughborough$1831One-way3 transfers
12:29 PM4h21Cardiff4:50 PMLoughborough$1831One-way3 transfers
2:29 PM3h59Cardiff6:28 PMLoughborough$1831One-way3 transfers
4:29 PM4h00Cardiff8:29 PMLoughborough$1831One-way3 transfers
11:45 AM3h25Cardiff3:10 PMLoughborough$2251One-way2 transfers
7:45 PM3h19Cardiff11:04 PMLoughborough$2251One-way2 transfers
11:45 AM3h25Cardiff3:10 PMLoughborough$2251One-way2 transfers
5:45 PM3h30Cardiff9:15 PMLoughborough$2251One-way2 transfers
1:45 PM3h33Cardiff5:18 PMLoughborough$2301One-way1 transfer
5:45 PM3h38Cardiff9:23 PMLoughborough$2301One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Loughborough
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 122 miles (197 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$122 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough:
A bus is $86 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Loughborough costing on average $122 (€99).
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 18m.
Tickets start at around $122 (€99) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-66.22 (€-54.20). The journey takes 3h 0m versus 2h 56m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 AM Cardiff | 4h12 | 12:35 PM Loughborough | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 3h25 | 3:10 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 4h00 | 3:45 PM Loughborough | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:29 PM Cardiff | 4h21 | 4:50 PM Loughborough | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Cardiff | 3h33 | 5:18 PM Loughborough | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:29 PM Cardiff | 3h59 | 6:28 PM Loughborough | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Cardiff | 3h44 | 7:29 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Cardiff | 4h00 | 7:45 PM Loughborough | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Loughborough by bus or train
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Loughborough
Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 122 miles (197 km) distance in 3h 36m.
Distance 122 miles (197 km) |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 4:20 AM |
Last train 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Loughborough trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Loughborough from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Loughborough
Most Cardiff to Loughborough trains use the Cardiff Central to Loughborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Loughborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Loughborough station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Loughborough from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough train station facilities and services
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough Hotel.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


