Leicester to Cardiff bus with FlixBus

Sat 10 Oct
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National Express
FlixBus
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Avanza
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Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct

Cheapest price on 10 Oct

£19

Average ticket price on 10 Oct

£26

Fastest journey on 10 Oct

5 h 50 m

Average journey duration on 10 Oct

6 h 14 m

Buses on 10 Oct

42

Distance

190 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Cardiff will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.

Fast coaches

To travel from Leicester to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    15:456h30
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    22:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:256h20
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    10:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    19:056h40
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    1:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    12:058h00
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    20:05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    15:206h55
    Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    22:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £191One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Leicester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Leicester to Cardiff run on average 44 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 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 45m.

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 15m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Buses per day
44
Fastest bus
3h 45m
First bus
0:40
Last bus
23:45
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 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

Live departures

Leicester to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cardiff coaches for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express17:45 Leicester
7h05
0:50 Cardiff0 changesdirect
National Express18:00 Leicester
6h55
0:55 Cardiff0 changesdirect
National Express20:15 Leicester
6h40
2:55 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Saturday 10 October
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h25
10:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX5074:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h40
11:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h55
12:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:25 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
6h20
10:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:35 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
7h35
12:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX180 · NX101 · NX2025:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h40
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
National ExpressNX440 · NX5095:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h25
13:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:45 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
6h55
13:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h15
13:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX5076:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h20
14:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
8h00
15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:35 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
7h40
15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX5097:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h25
15:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h55
16:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:50 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
7h20
16:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX150 · NX1129:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h15
16:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50910:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h40
18:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
8h05
18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:55 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
7h40
18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50711:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h50
19:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h55
19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:40 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
8h00
19:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:00 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
7h30
19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
8h00
20:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX151 · NX11112:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h45
19:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50713:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h55
21:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus13:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h00
20:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50914:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h20
21:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h55
22:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:45 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
6h30
22:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50715:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h20
23:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
6h55
22:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus16:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h50
22:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX440 · NX50916:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h14
23:59 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus17:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h55
0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus17:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h00
0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus18:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
6h40
0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Leicester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

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

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 Leicester to Cardiff.
  • 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 Leicester to Cardiff.

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 Leicester to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Cardiff.

Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Leicester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Cardiff with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £12. 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 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
26 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 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
£13
National Express frequency
16 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 Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

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

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.

Best day trips from Cardiff by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Chepstow. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Cardiff on Omio.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cardiff to Bristol by bus

Why visit Bristol for the day?

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.

How to get from Cardiff to Bristol by bus?

There are 30 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 1h 0m.

A view of Bath

Day trip from Cardiff to Bath by bus

Why visit Bath for the day?

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.

How to get from Cardiff to Bath by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 01:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest coach covers the 58 km distance in 1h 51m.

A view of Swansea

Day trip from Cardiff to Swansea by bus

Why visit Swansea for the day?

Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.

How to get from Cardiff to Swansea by bus?

There are 44 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 55 km distance in 50m.

A view of Newport

Day trip from Cardiff to Newport by bus

Why visit Newport for the day?

Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.

How to get from Cardiff to Newport by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 25m.

A view of Chepstow

Day trip from Cardiff to Chepstow by bus

Why visit Chepstow for the day?

Chepstow is a historic town on the River Wye, best known for its Norman castle and border setting. Its compact centre, medieval streets and access to the Wye Valley give it a strong sense of place.

How to get from Cardiff to Chepstow by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:15, the last at 23:43. The fastest coach covers the 39 km distance in 45m.

FAQs: Leicester to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Leicester to Cardiff can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Cardiff is £26; 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 Leicester to Cardiff is 3h 45m 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 Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Cardiff leaves at 23:45.
There are 44 coaches a day from Leicester to Cardiff 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 Leicester to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Cardiff 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 Leicester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester to Cardiff 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 Leicester to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Cardiff:
  • 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 Leicester to Cardiff:
  • 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 Leicester to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Cardiff

Most Leicester to Cardiff buses use the Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
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

More options for your journey from Leicester to Cardiff

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