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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Loughborough
Showing times and prices for 02 Dec
Cheapest price
£80
Average price
£128
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 58 m
Trains per day
4
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 £128 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £80.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Loughborough every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 197 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 36 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.
05:403h50
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£801One-way
0 changes
13:453h48
Cardiff17:33Loughborough
£1131One-way
0 changes
05:513h39
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£1591One-way
0 changes
04:544h36
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£1621One-way
0 changes
05:513h39
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£1591One-way
0 changes
13:453h48
Cardiff17:33Loughborough
£1131One-way
0 changes
05:403h50
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£801One-way
0 changes
04:544h36
Cardiff09:30Loughborough
£1621One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £60.
Distance: 197 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£116 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough trains for today, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:36
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:45 Cardiff | 3h46 | 11:31 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:45 Cardiff | 3h43 | 12:28 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:45 Cardiff | 3h42 | 13:27 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 2 December | |||||
| 04:54 Cardiff | 4h36 | 09:30 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:40 Cardiff | 3h50 | 09:30 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:51 Cardiff | 3h39 | 09:30 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Loughborough 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.
Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
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03 Dec
03 Dec
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04 Dec
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05 Dec
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08 Dec
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 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 19:51. The fastest train covers the 197 km distance in 3h 39m.
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 £19
Distance 197 km |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 39m |
First train 04:20 |
Last train 19:51 |
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 £19
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Loughborough trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Loughborough from £19. 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 Duration
3h 39m
Cheapest Price
£61
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Price
£178
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest Price
£187
first_great_western frequency
8 a day
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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £60, while the average price tends to be around £116.
A day trip from Cardiff to Loughborough is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 39m. However, trains run 3 times per day for this route. The distance is 197 km.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Loughborough is by coach, costing approximately £19.
The train distance from Cardiff to Loughborough is 197 km.
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.
The last train from Cardiff to Loughborough departs at 19:51.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Loughborough.
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 covers a distance of 197 km and takes approximately 3h 39m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Loughborough is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Loughborough station (LBO).
The first train from Cardiff to Loughborough leaves at 4:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Loughborough run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Yes, you can take the train 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 train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Loughborough
Cardiff
Loughborough
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibility
WCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Loughborough is Loughborough. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Loughborough for your journey to Loughborough from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
3Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Nottingham Road.
Dining
- The Basin
- The Orange Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Premier Inn Loughborough
- Travelodge Loughborough Central
- Ramada Loughborough Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: access to platforms 1-3
Public transport options for Loughborough
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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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