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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 15 Apr
Cheapest price
£21
Average price
£24
Fastest journey
6 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 52 m
Buses per day
40
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 £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £21.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Leicester you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus17:257h50Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1:15Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£211One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus17:257h25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0:50Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£211One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:408h25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)19:05Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£211One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:408h25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)21:05Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£211One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus14:508h00Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)22:50Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£211One-way1 change
NX111 · NX18017:206h30Cardiff, University23:50Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£351One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus6:456h45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)13:30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£241One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX44018:086h57Cardiff, University1:05Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£231One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX4403:207h00Cardiff, University10:20Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£231One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus16:007h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)23:10Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£221One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 53m. 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 coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 190 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price |
6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  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 Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 14 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 8:30 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h15 | 8:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h15 | 9:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 2:20 Cardiff, University | 7h00 | 9:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h35 | 11:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h10 | 10:50 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h35 | 11:35 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | Delayed 11:00 4:20Cardiff, University | 7h55 | 12:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 13:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h45 | 12:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 5:50 Cardiff, University | 7h45 | 13:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h25 | 14:35 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | Delayed 11:00 7:08Cardiff, University | 7h12 | 14:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h35 | 16:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 15:45 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h40 | 17:35 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 8:08 Cardiff, University | 7h42 | 15:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | Delayed 11:00 8:53Cardiff, University | 7h42 | 16:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 9:38 Cardiff, University | 8h07 | 17:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h25 | 18:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h50 | 18:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | Delayed 11:00 10:38Cardiff, University | 8h22 | 19:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 11:38 Cardiff, University | 8h02 | 19:40 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h25 | 20:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h45 | 20:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h35 | 20:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 12:38 Cardiff, University | 8h07 | 20:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 21:50 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | On time 14:53 Cardiff, University | 7h32 | 22:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h10 | 22:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 23:20 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX180 | 16:20 Cardiff, University | 6h30 | 22:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 0:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h25 | 23:50 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | On time 17:08 Cardiff, University | 6h57 | 0:05 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 1:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h55 | 1:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| NX216 · NX100 · NX777 | 17:15 Cardiff, University | 8h15 | 1:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| NX509 · NX440 | On time 18:23 Cardiff, University | 7h32 | 1:55 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
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Leicester 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus 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 Megabus 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 31 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 190 km distance in 4h 35m.
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 5h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 31 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 from Cardiff to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Leicester with National Express, Megabus for as low as £13. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
£15
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 40m
Cheapest Price
£29
Megabus frequency
4 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.
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 £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester is 4h 35m 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 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Leicester leaves at 23:45.
There are 31 coaches a day from Cardiff to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Leicester, you can count on National Express, Megabus 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.
A trip to Leicester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Leicester is January.
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:
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Leicester for coach company National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Leicester 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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:
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Leicester:
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Leicester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Leicester
Cardiff
Leicester
The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) for your trip from Cardiff to Leicester.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, University
information
The major coach station for arrivals in Leicester is Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station for your trip to Leicester from Cardiff.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
information
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
information
Leicester, Braunstone
information
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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