Cardiff to Leeds train with CrossCountry

Tue 13 Oct
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Leeds

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct

Cheapest price on 13 Oct

£55

Average ticket price on 13 Oct

£77

Fastest journey on 13 Oct

4 h 14 m

Average journey duration on 13 Oct

4 h 16 m

Trains on 13 Oct

8

Distance

280 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.

Fast trains

On Tue 13 Oct, we found 8 trains from Cardiff to Leeds, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 280 km distance in an average of 4 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 14 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 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.

  • CrossCountryG01067
    9:454h18
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    14:03Leeds station (LDS)
    £551One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38967+Transpennine ExpressC24909
    8:554h53
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:48Leeds station (LDS)
    £601One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38949+Transpennine ExpressG15955
    9:534h55
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    14:48Leeds station (LDS)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38949+Transpennine ExpressG16023
    9:535h17
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:10Leeds station (LDS)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00941 · G01069
    10:454h17
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:02Leeds station (LDS)
    £791One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Leeds

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Leeds run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 280 km distance in 3h 48m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Distance
280 km
Average train duration
4h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 48m
First train
2:20
Last train
23:35
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14

Live departures

Cardiff to Leeds train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leeds trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00900 · G01073
On time
11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h18
16:03 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35182+CrossCountryG01073
On time
11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
16:03 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38953+Transpennine ExpressW85294
On time
11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h41
16:34 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
CrossCountryG66837 · G00730
On time
17:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h18
22:03 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35200+CrossCountryG00730
On time
17:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
22:03 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38959+Transpennine ExpressC24655
On time
17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h27
23:20 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38959+Northern RailG89259
On time
17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h22
23:15 Leeds station (LDS)
1 change
Transport for WalesY63476+Avanti West CoastW34129+Transpennine ExpressC24655
On time
18:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h57
23:20 Leeds station (LDS)
2 changes
Tuesday 13 October
CrossCountryG66712 · G010648:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h16
13:01 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
Transport for WalesG38967+Transpennine ExpressC249098:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h53
13:48 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
CrossCountryG010679:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h18
14:03 Leeds station (LDS)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00869_G01067+Great Western RailwayG150439:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h14
14:03 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
Transport for WalesG38949+Transpennine ExpressG159559:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h55
14:48 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
Transport for WalesG38949+Transpennine ExpressG160239:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h17
15:10 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
CrossCountryG00941 · G0106910:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h17
15:02 Leeds station (LDS)1 change
CrossCountryG00941 · G0106910:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h17
15:02 Leeds station (LDS)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Leeds trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains 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 CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales 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 CrossCountry 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales 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.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Leeds trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Leeds from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£37
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
4h 6m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£38
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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.

Best day trips from Leeds by train

The most popular day trips by train from Leeds are York, Manchester, Sheffield, Harrogate and Skipton. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Leeds on Omio.

A view of York

Day trip from Leeds to York by train

Why visit York for the day?

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

How to get from Leeds to York by train?

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 22m.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Leeds to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Leeds to Manchester by train?

There are 62 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 46m.

A view of Sheffield

Day trip from Leeds to Sheffield by train

Why visit Sheffield for the day?

Sheffield is known for its steelmaking heritage, modern music culture and easy access to green space. It feels both urban and outdoorsy, with Victorian buildings, independent venues and the Peak District nearby.

How to get from Leeds to Sheffield by train?

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 38m.

A view of Harrogate

Day trip from Leeds to Harrogate by train

Why visit Harrogate for the day?

Harrogate is a Yorkshire spa town known for its gardens, Turkish Baths and classic tea rooms. Elegant streets and easy access to nearby countryside give it a calm, polished character.

How to get from Leeds to Harrogate by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 22 km distance in 28m.

A view of Skipton

Day trip from Leeds to Skipton by train

Why visit Skipton for the day?

Skipton is a North Yorkshire market town known for its medieval castle and its position on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Its canalside setting, traditional shops and long market heritage give it a friendly, grounded character.

How to get from Leeds to Skipton by train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 32m.

FAQs: Cardiff to Leeds train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Leeds can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £84.
The train journey from Cardiff to Leeds covers a distance of 280 km and takes approximately 3h 48m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Leeds is 280 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Leeds leaves at 2:20.
The last train from Cardiff to Leeds departs at 23:35.
Trains from Cardiff to Leeds run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Leeds.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Leeds. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Leeds.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Leeds is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Leeds station (LDS).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Leeds in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Leeds offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Welsh Valleys and the rolling hills of the English countryside, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Leeds.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Leeds

Most Cardiff to Leeds trains use the Cardiff Central to Leeds station pair, with some services arriving at Burley Park. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leeds train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Leeds
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays 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 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Leeds

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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