Cardiff to Leeds bus with National Express

Sat 29 Aug
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Leeds

Showing times and prices for 29 Aug

Cheapest price

£24

Average price

£29

Fastest journey

6 h 5 m

Average duration

6 h 33 m

Buses per day

12

Distance

280 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Leeds will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.

Fast coaches

Of the 12 buses that leave Cardiff for Leeds every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 280 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .

The slowest buses will take 7 h 5 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.

  • National ExpressNX111 · NX133
    8:407h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    16:05Leeds, Coach Station
    £241One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX131
    4:457h45
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    12:30Leeds, Coach Station
    £241One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX111 · NX131
    16:406h40
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    23:20Leeds, Coach Station
    £251One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX131
    12:359h00
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    21:35Leeds, Coach Station
    £271One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX131
    6:408h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    15:05Leeds, Coach Station
    £271One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Leeds

Omio 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 coach with prices starting from £14. 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 coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £32.

Distance: 280 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£50

Average Price

7h 22m

Average total duration

6h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Leeds bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leeds coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX1316:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h50
15:15 Leeds, Coach Station2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h35
13:20 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
9h30
16:40 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX111 · NX1338:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h00
16:30 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h50
16:45 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX112 · NX13112:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h35
18:45 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
19:20 Leeds, Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX13112:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h00
21:35 Leeds, Coach Station2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
23:00 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX111 · NX13116:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h55
23:20 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX101 · NX18016:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10h20
2:50 Leeds, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX507 · NX46718:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
11h00
5:45 Leeds, Coach Station1 change
Saturday 29 August
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX1314:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h45
12:30 Leeds, Coach Station2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Leeds 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Cardiff to Leeds coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Leeds.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Leeds.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leeds.
  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Leeds.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leeds.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Leeds.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Leeds

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Leeds run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 280 km distance in 5h 55m.

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
Distance
280 km
Average bus duration
6h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Buses per day
16
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 55m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff to LeedsYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Leeds with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £14. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 20m
Cheapest Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
£17
National Express frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 25m
Cheapest Price
£23
Megabus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Complete guide to Leeds

Things to do in Leeds

Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.

  • Must visit

Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds’s principal art gallery shows British art, sculpture and changing exhibitions in an elegant central building.

  • Recommended

Leeds City Museum

A major city museum with natural history, archaeology and local history displays suitable for all ages.

  • Recommended

Leeds Industrial Museum

A large industrial museum in a former mill, covering textiles, engineering and Leeds’s manufacturing heritage.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and everyday tourist costs stay fairly manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Cardiff to Leeds coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leeds by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Leeds can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Leeds is £21; 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 coach from Cardiff to Leeds is 5h 55m to travel the 280 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Leeds leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Leeds leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Cardiff to Leeds with Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Leeds, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leeds. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Leeds and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent), Cardiff, Malthouse Avenue (Gate Business Park) . When arriving in Leeds , you can end your route in coach stations like Leeds, Coach Station, Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre), Bradford, Interchange Station, Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop, Leeds, University.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Leeds, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Leeds from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Leeds is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Leeds including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Leeds:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Leeds for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Leeds depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Leeds.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Leeds:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Leeds:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Leeds. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Leeds with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Leeds with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Leeds with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Leeds

Most Cardiff to Leeds buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Leeds, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leeds bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Leeds

Which Cardiff station do buses to Leeds leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Leeds leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Leeds

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