- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Compact local museum in Queen's Park covering Loughborough's industries, transport and everyday life through varied displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Loughborough
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£51
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£77
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
3 h 37 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
3 h 40 m
Trains on 04 Sept
5
Distance
197 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Loughborough you need to make at least 2 changes.
G66712 · G00812+
C216528:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)12:27Loughborough station (LBO)£511One-way2 changes- G00941 · G00818+W7088010:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)14:27Loughborough station (LBO)£511One-way2 changes
- G01067 · G00814+W708749:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)13:27Loughborough station (LBO)£591One-way2 changes
- G00869_G01067 · G00814+
G15043+W708749:493h38Cardiff Central (CDF)13:27Loughborough station (LBO)£1121One-way3 changes - G01069 · G00818+G15044+W7088010:503h37Cardiff Central (CDF)14:27Loughborough station (LBO)£1121One-way3 changes
- G01069 · G00818+G15044+W7088010:503h37Cardiff Central (CDF)14:27Loughborough station (LBO)£1121One-way3 changes
- G00869_G01067 · G00814+G15043+W708749:493h38Cardiff Central (CDF)13:27Loughborough station (LBO)£1121One-way3 changes
- G01067 · G00814+W708749:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)13:27Loughborough station (LBO)£591One-way2 changes
- G66712 · G00812+C216528:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)12:27Loughborough station (LBO)£511One-way2 changes
- G00941 · G00818+W7088010:453h42Cardiff Central (CDF)14:27Loughborough station (LBO)£511One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Loughborough
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, while a train costs an average of £119.
Distance: 197 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£119 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Loughborough is a coach with an average price of £30.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough:
A coach is £89 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Loughborough costing on average £119.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Loughborough is by train with an average journey time of 3h 3m.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Loughborough including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £119 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-77.36. The journey takes 3h 3m versus 2h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G66712 · G00812+C21652 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 12:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G01067 · G00814+W70874 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 13:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G00869_G01067 · G00814+G15043+W70874 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 13:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes | |
| G00941 · G00818+W70880 | 10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 14:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G01069 · G00818+W70880+G15044 | 10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 14:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Loughborough by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
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10 Sept
10 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Loughborough trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country or Transport for Wales offer trains services from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough.
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 Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 197 km distance in 3h 36m.
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 £25
Distance 197 km |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 4:20 |
Last train 20:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Loughborough trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Loughborough from £25. 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 36m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£51
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£166
Cross Country frequency
15 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£135
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Loughborough
Things to do in Loughborough
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
- Recommended
The Loughborough Museum
Heritage museum at Great Central Railway with preserved locomotives, rolling stock and exhibits on the line's operation and history.
- Recommended
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Small heritage display at the bell foundry site, interpreting bellmaking in a town long associated with this specialist craft.
- Must visit
Queen's Park
Central park with formal gardens, memorials, open lawns and river walks, making it the town's main green space for a relaxed visit.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
Waterside stretch popular for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and easy access to longer routes through the Soar valley.
Baxter Gate
Historic shopping street lined with older buildings, independent businesses and a market atmosphere near the heart of town.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned chopped pork. A classic East Midlands speciality closely tied to local food heritage.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Blue-veined cow’s milk cheese made in Leicestershire. Creamy, crumbly and tangy, it is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester
Red Leicester is a firm, nutty county cheese with a rich orange colour. It is a longstanding local staple often served in sandwiches, pies and ploughman’s lunches.
The Basin
Stylish modern restaurant known for seasonal British cooking, attentive service and a relaxed smart atmosphere in the town centre.
Fernandez Grillhouse
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a comfortable, longstanding local setting.
Peter Pizzeria
Popular town-centre venue for burgers, grilled dishes and drinks, with a lively casual feel and broad menu.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotel, dining and local travel costs are usually lower than in London, though prices can rise on university and event dates.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Mango
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >£3 contactless daily cap
To the city centre
Loughborough Railway Station -> Loughborough Town Centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local bus singles on Kinchbus are capped at £3, and contactless payment is accepted on eligible services.
- Loughborough town centre is about a 15-minute walk from Loughborough Railway Station; many local bus connections are available via Baxter Gate and nearby town-centre stops.
FAQs: Cardiff to Loughborough train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £119.
The train journey from Cardiff to Loughborough covers a distance of 197 km and takes approximately 3h 36m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Loughborough is 197 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Loughborough leaves at 4:20.
The last train from Cardiff to Loughborough departs at 20:00.
Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Loughborough.
To get from Cardiff to Loughborough, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Loughborough.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Loughborough is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Loughborough station (LBO).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Loughborough is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Passengers can enjoy views of the rolling Welsh countryside, picturesque towns, and the River Severn, before transitioning into the Midlands' more industrial landscapes.
A day trip from Cardiff to Loughborough is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 36m. However, trains run 3 times per day for this route. The distance is 197 km.
A day or two is generally sufficient to explore Loughborough, allowing time to visit key attractions such as the Great Central Railway and the Charnwood Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Loughborough.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Loughborough
Most Cardiff to Loughborough trains use the Cardiff Central to Loughborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Loughborough 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 Loughborough
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.
CorytonCoryton station, Park Road, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7BW+44 333 321 1202
City-centre transport
Getting to Coryton from Cardiff city centre
Coryton is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 15m · £3 · every ~4 min
Penarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 19m · £3 · every ~4 min
Bus23, 136 · 23m · £2 · every ~8 min
21, 136, 23 · 33m · £2 · every ~14 min
21, 136, 23 · 39m · £2 · every ~14 min
Coryton train station facilities and services
Coryton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Coryton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Coryton: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Coryton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Coryton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B3. Access to the platform from Park Avenue is via a moderate ramp however there is no dropped kerb on the pavement. Access is also available via steps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
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 · £0.90 · 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.
Which Loughborough station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough arrive at Loughborough. Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre.
LoughboroughLoughborough Railway Station, Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1EX, United Kingdom+44 345 712 5678
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough train station facilities and services
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough Hotel.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Loughborough and Cardiff
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