Leeds to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Thu 27 Aug
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leeds to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 27 Aug

Cheapest price

£35

Average price

£56

Fastest journey

3 h 51 m

Average duration

4 h 24 m

Trains per day

8

Distance

280 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leeds to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leeds to Cardiff will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Leeds for Cardiff every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 280 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 41 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.

  • Transport for Wales
    8:305h14
    Leeds
    13:44Cardiff
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    15:153h51
    Leeds
    19:06Cardiff
    £381One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    9:054h48
    Leeds
    13:53Cardiff
    £511One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    9:154h10
    Leeds
    13:25Cardiff
    £621One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    7:064h39
    Leeds
    11:45Cardiff
    £651One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Leeds to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 280 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£49

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 25m

Average total duration

6h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Leeds to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG38873+Transpennine ExpressW85241
Delayed
8:30 8:06Leeds station (LDS)
4h38
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayW34617
On time
8:15 Leeds station (LDS)
3h55
12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01140 · G01101
On time
8:15 Leeds station (LDS)
4h11
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01140 · G01101
On time
8:15 Leeds station (LDS)
4h11
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38874+Transpennine ExpressW85248
Delayed
9:30 9:05Leeds station (LDS)
4h48
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29862+Great Western RailwayG14939
On time
9:15 Leeds station (LDS)
4h01
13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38877+Transpennine ExpressG15893
Delayed
10:30 9:45Leeds station (LDS)
4h59
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38877+Transpennine ExpressC24399
Delayed
10:30 10:00Leeds station (LDS)
4h44
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29868 · G01107
On time
10:15 Leeds station (LDS)
4h10
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29868+Great Western RailwayW34622
On time
10:15 Leeds station (LDS)
3h53
14:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38878+Transpennine ExpressG15923
Delayed
11:30 11:00Leeds station (LDS)
4h45
15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29873 · G01109
On time
11:15 Leeds station (LDS)
4h10
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29873+Great Western RailwayG14940
On time
11:15 Leeds station (LDS)
3h53
15:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leeds to Cardiff 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.

Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept

Why should you book Leeds to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales or Cross Country offer trains services from Leeds to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leeds to Cardiff.

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 or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leeds to Cardiff.
  • 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 Leeds to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leeds to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leeds to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leeds to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leeds to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 280 km distance in 4h 10m.

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 £13
Distance
280 km
Average train duration
4h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
4h 10m
First train
2:20
Last train
21:35
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
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 £13

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from Leeds to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between Leeds and Cardiff from £13. 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
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
£25
CrossCountry frequency
4 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 Duration
4h 38m
Cheapest Price
£22
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest Price
£206
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.

FAQs: Leeds to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leeds to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £49.
The train journey from Leeds to Cardiff covers a distance of 280 km and takes approximately 4h 10m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Leeds to Cardiff is 280 km.
The first train from Leeds to Cardiff leaves at 2:20.
The last train from Leeds to Cardiff departs at 21:35.
Trains from Leeds to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leeds to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leeds and Cardiff. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Leeds to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leeds to Cardiff.
The train station in Leeds that goes to Cardiff is Leeds station (LDS), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Leeds to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Leeds to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Leeds to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, historic cities like Sheffield, and the picturesque landscapes of the Brecon Beacons as they approach Cardiff.
A day trip from Leeds to Cardiff is not feasible, as the journey takes 4h 10m one way. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 280 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Leeds to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leeds and Cardiff

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

Departure train stations in Leeds
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
LeedsNew Station St, Leeds LS1 4DY, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leeds from Leeds city centre

Bus lines1, 16, 201, 229, 34, 5, 60, A1
Train linesNorthern, TransPennine Express

Leeds train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food options include: Bagel Factory, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.

Burley ParkBurley Park station, Ashville Road, Burley Park, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NA+44 8002006060ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Burley Park from Leeds city centre

Burley Park is 2 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLeeds - York, Leeds - Knaresborough, Leeds - Harrogate, Leeds - Horsforth · 4m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus19, 19A · 8m · every ~7 min
19, 19A · 11m · every ~7 min

Burley Park train station facilities and services

Burley Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Burley Park.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Burley Park: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Burley Park: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Burley Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Persons in wheelchairs can gain easy access onto both platforms. However to get onto the Harrogate bound platform you have to go a long way round it will take approx 5-7 minutes, 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 ticket machines note: Cards Only - No Cash Accepted, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

HeadingleyHeadingley station, Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, West Yorkshire, LS5 3LD+44 8002006060ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Headingley from Leeds city centre

Headingley is 3 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLeeds - York, Leeds - Knaresborough, Leeds - Harrogate, Leeds - Horsforth · 7m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus49, 50, 50A · 19m · every ~26 min
875 · 22m · £4

Headingley train station facilities and services

Headingley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Headingley.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Headingley: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Headingley: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Headingley: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station. The conductor will carry out any assistance, please wait on the platform. This station has recently benefitted from the installation of lifts, level access to platform 1 with platform 2 being accessible using the lift and a short subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Leeds to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Leeds to Cardiff train

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