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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£18
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 48 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
190 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF), including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 6 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 55 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.
20:156h40Leicester station (LEI)2:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£171One-way0 changes- 19:006h55Leicester station (LEI)1:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£191One-way0 changes
- 20:156h40Leicester station (LEI)2:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£171One-way0 changes
- 19:006h55Leicester station (LEI)1:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£191One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, while a train costs an average of £71.
Distance: 190 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price Cheapest | £71 Average Price | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a coach with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average £71.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 47m.
Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £35 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £3. The journey takes 6h 19m versus 3h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX450 · NX507 | 5:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 6h50 | 11:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX509 | 6:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h40 | 13:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX508 | 7:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h20 | 15:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX509 | 8:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h35 | 16:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX150 · NX100 · NX202 | 9:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 6h40 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX777 · NX112 | 11:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h05 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX151 · NX111 | 12:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h00 | 19:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX507 | 13:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h40 | 20:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX777 · NX100 · NX202 | 13:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h05 | 22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX440 · NX507 | 14:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h00 | 22:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX509 | 15:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h30 | 23:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX150 · NX100 · NX202 | 16:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h50 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX150 · NX100 · NX202 | 16:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 8h50 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX440 · NX509 | 17:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 7h40 | 0:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX509 | 20:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 6h30 | 2:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 42 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:25, the last at 19:15. 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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 42 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 4:25 |
Last bus 19:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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, FlixBus from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)You can travel by bus between Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £19. 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
£19
FlixBus frequency
28 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
£19
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
FAQs: Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is £35; 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 19:15.
There are 42 coaches a day from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cardiff Central (CDF). You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff Central (CDF) from Leicester station (LEI) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
- 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
- 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF). 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 station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester station (LEI)
More options for your journey from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Leicester station (LEI)
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