- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€67
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€161
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 28 m
Trains on Sep 20
6
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leeds to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Cardiff will cost around €161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €67.
It's difficult to get from Leeds to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
G16002+
G38853
G15892+
G38847
G89485+
G01152+
W35023
G01152+
W35023
W29886 · G01104
G01147+
C50046
W29886 · G01104
G01152+
W35023
G89485+
G01152+
W35023
G16002+
G38853Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, while a train costs an average of €105.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€105 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m 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 Leeds to Cardiff:
A bus is €68 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leeds to Cardiff costing on average €105.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 35m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (4h 8m by train vs 4h 14m by car). Tickets start at around €105 compared to roughly €66 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01156 · G01120 | On time 3:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h10 | 7:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15827+ G38888 | On time 3:30 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h25 | 8:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01162 · G01121 | On time 4:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h07 | 8:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01162 · G01121 | On time 4:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h07 | 8:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15804+ G38891 | On time 4:30 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h22 | 9:52 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01164 · G01123 | On time 5:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h07 | 9:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01167 · G01125 | On time 6:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h21 | 10:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15806+ W44829 | On time 6:30 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h42 | 12:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G89437+ G01168+ C42278 | On time 6:38 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h17 | 11:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G89520+ G01168+ C42278 | On time 6:45 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h10 | 11:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01168+ G39648 | On time 7:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h14 | 12:29 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01168+ C42278 | On time 7:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h40 | 11:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
G01147+ C50046 | 12:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h00 | 4:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15892+ G38847 | 12:45 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h10 | 5:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29886 · G01104 | 1:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h07 | 5:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G16002+ G38853 | 1:45 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 5h09 | 6:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G89485+ G01152+ W35023 | 1:45 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h46 | 6:31 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01152+ W35023 | 2:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h16 | 6:31 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Leeds to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €43 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (280 km) distance in 3h 37m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average train duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €43 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 2:20 AM |
Last train 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds 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.

Most Leeds to Cardiff trains use the Leeds to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Bay. Use this guide to compare Leeds and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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 Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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