- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£20
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£21
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
7 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
8 h 3 m
Buses on 13 Oct
2
Distance
190 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Leicester will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £20.
Fast coaches
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Leicester, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 8 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 20 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.
14:508h20Cardiff23:10Leicester£201One-way0 changes- 16:157h45Cardiff0:00Leicester£231One-way0 changes
- 16:157h45Cardiff0:00Leicester£231One-way0 changes
- 14:508h20Cardiff23:10Leicester£201One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 26 times per day, taking around 6h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 190 km distance in 3h 50m.
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 190 km |
Average bus duration 6h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 26 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 0:40 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Live departures
Cardiff to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 NX509 · NX440 | 11:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h45 | 19:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX150 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h50 | 19:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| NX508 · NX440 | 13:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h20 | 21:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h00 | 21:50 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | 15:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h15 | 22:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 0:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h00 | 23:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h55 | 0:20 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 4h55 | 23:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Leicester.
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 FlixBus 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 National Express 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 or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Leicester.
- 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.
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Leicester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £17. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£19
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 National Express Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest National Express 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.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
FAQs: Cardiff to Leicester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Leicester can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Leicester is £32; 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 Leicester is 3h 50m to travel the 190 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 Leicester leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Leicester leaves at 23:45.
There are 26 coaches a day from Cardiff to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Leicester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Leicester depends on the coach companies:
- 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 Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester:
- 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 Leicester. 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 Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Leicester
Most Cardiff to Leicester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Cardiff station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Leicester leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
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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, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
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, 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 · £0.89 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.89 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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