4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Leicester
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 26 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Leicester will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Leicester on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 30 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.
7:45 AM3h25Cardiff11:10 AMLeicester$631One-way0 transfers- 8:45 AM3h25Cardiff12:10 PMLeicester$631One-way0 transfers
- 9:45 AM3h25Cardiff1:10 PMLeicester$701One-way0 transfers
- 6:20 AM3h30Cardiff9:50 AMLeicester$1061One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 AM3h25Cardiff12:10 PMLeicester$631One-way0 transfers
- 9:45 AM3h25Cardiff1:10 PMLeicester$701One-way0 transfers
- 7:45 AM3h25Cardiff11:10 AMLeicester$631One-way0 transfers
- 6:20 AM3h30Cardiff9:50 AMLeicester$1061One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Leicester 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 2h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Leicester:
A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Leicester costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 43m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (2h 48m by train vs 3h 3m by car). Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $51 (€42) 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45 AM Cardiff | 3h25 | 11:10 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:45 AM Cardiff | 3h25 | 12:10 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:45 AM Cardiff | 3h25 | 2:10 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Leicester by train or bus
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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester 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 to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leicester.
- 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 Cardiff to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€40) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 3h 21m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€40) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Cardiff to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Leicester from $20 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Leicester
Most Cardiff to Leicester trains use the Cardiff Central to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leicester 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 Leicester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Cardiff
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