- 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 trains from Cardiff to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£41
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£65
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
3 h 21 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
3 h 24 m
Trains on 14 Oct
3
Distance
190 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Fast trains
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Leicester, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 25 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.
8:453h25Cardiff12:10Leicester£411One-way0 changes- 7:453h25Cardiff11:10Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 9:493h21Cardiff13:10Leicester£1091One-way0 changes
- 9:493h21Cardiff13:10Leicester£1091One-way0 changes
- 8:453h25Cardiff12:10Leicester£411One-way0 changes
- 7:453h25Cardiff11:10Leicester£461One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Leicester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 2h 33m.
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 £17
Distance 190 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 20:50 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £17
Live departures
Cardiff to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45 Cardiff | 3h25 | 11:10 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:45 Cardiff | 3h25 | 12:10 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:49 Cardiff | 3h21 | 13:10 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains or Transport for Wales offer trains 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 CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Transport for Wales 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 CrossCountry 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 West Midlands Trains or Transport for Wales 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.
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains from Cardiff to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Cardiff and Leicester from £17. 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
2h 33m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£30
CrossCountry frequency
6 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
2h 47m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£47
Transport for Wales frequency
2 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£76
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
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.
Leicester Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless tap-on and tap-off with fare capping is being introduced across Leicester buses; check the operator or Leicester Buses site for current rollout details.
- Leicester Buses Flexi tickets are valid across participating operators in the Flexi area and can be bought in participating operators’ ticketing apps.
Best day trips from Leicester by train
The most popular day trips by train from Leicester are London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and Derby. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Leicester on Omio.
Day trip from Leicester to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Leicester to London by train?
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 143 km distance in 1h 3m.
Day trip from Leicester to Birmingham by train
Why visit Birmingham for the day?
Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.
How to get from Leicester to Birmingham by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 48m.
Day trip from Leicester to Nottingham by train
Why visit Nottingham for the day?
Nottingham is known for the Robin Hood legend, its lace-making past and a lively student atmosphere. The compact city blends Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market with independent shops, music and strong sporting traditions.
How to get from Leicester to Nottingham by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 20m.
Day trip from Leicester 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 Leicester to Sheffield by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:11, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 86 km distance in 52m.
Day trip from Leicester to Derby by train
Why visit Derby for the day?
Derby is an East Midlands city known for rail heritage, advanced engineering and a centre with Georgian and Victorian character. The Silk Mill and Cathedral Quarter connect its Industrial Revolution past with a practical, easy-going atmosphere.
How to get from Leicester to Derby by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 20m.
FAQs: Cardiff to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Cardiff to Leicester covers a distance of 190 km and takes approximately 2h 33m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Leicester is 190 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Leicester leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Leicester departs at 20:50.
Trains from Cardiff to Leicester run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Leicester.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Leicester.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Leicester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Leicester 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 Leicester offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through scenic landscapes such as the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and picturesque towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Leicester
Most Cardiff to Leicester trains use the Cardiff Central to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Leicester 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 Leicester
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train 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 trains to and from Leicester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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