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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leeds to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 13 Jan
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£61
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 45 m
Trains per day
5
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 £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Leeds for Cardiff every day 5 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 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 59 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.
08:004h52
Leeds12:52Cardiff
£531One-way
0 changes
08:305h14
Leeds13:44Cardiff
£601One-way
0 changes
04:475h02
Leeds09:49Cardiff
£611One-way
0 changes
07:455h07
Leeds12:52Cardiff
£671One-way
0 changes
08:454h59
Leeds13:44Cardiff
£671One-way
0 changes
07:114h15
Leeds11:26Cardiff
£811One-way
0 changes
07:004h45
Leeds11:45Cardiff
£671One-way
0 changes
08:004h52
Leeds12:52Cardiff
£531One-way
0 changes
05:454h52
Leeds10:37Cardiff
£691One-way
0 changes
08:454h59
Leeds13:44Cardiff
£671One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leeds to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach 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 £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 12m. 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 £14, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 280 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£73 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 22m Average total duration 6h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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, Monday 12 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 02:48
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 L36629+L64722 | On time 08:00 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h45 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
 G90878+C75082+ P22625 | On time 08:45 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h31 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| L37219+L64724 | On time 08:48 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h05 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L36633+L64724 | On time 09:00 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h53 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C75198 · C75257 | On time 09:25 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h00 | 14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C75198 · C72665+L65708 | On time 09:25 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h34 | 13:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
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 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
13 Jan
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan
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17 Jan
17 Jan
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Leeds to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leeds to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:11, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 280 km distance in 3h 57m.
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 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 02:11 |
Last train 23:47 |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Leeds to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Leeds and Cardiff from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 45m
Cheapest Price
£40
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
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 57m
Cheapest Price
£57
CrossCountry frequency
5 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 51m
Cheapest Price
£204
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
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.
The cheapest way to get from Leeds to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £14.
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.
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.
The train distance from Leeds to Cardiff is 280 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Leeds to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £73.
The last train from Leeds to Cardiff departs at 23:47.
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.
There is no night train service from Leeds to Cardiff.
A day trip from Leeds to Cardiff is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 57m one way. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 280 km.
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 covers a distance of 280 km and takes approximately 3h 57m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Leeds that goes to Cardiff is Leeds station (LDS), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Leeds to Cardiff leaves at 2:11.
Trains from Leeds to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leeds to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Leeds to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leeds to Cardiff.
To get from Leeds to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leeds and Cardiff
Leeds
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Leeds is Leeds. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leeds for your trip from Leeds to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Caffè Nero
- KFC
- Leon
- McDonald's
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Pret a Manger
- JD Wetherspoon
- Delice de France
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
Accessibility
- There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
WC
- Toilets Location: Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on platform 12 on the South Concourse
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center
- The Queens Hotel
- Leeds Marriott Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 0 / 1 Platform 6 / 8 behind the lift Platform 12 / 15 Short stay car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Public transport options for Leeds
- Bus lines: 1, 16, 201, 229, 34, 5, 60, A1
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Burley Park
- Onward travel information: Bus stops located 5 mins away from station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up / drop off on Ashville Road adjacent to the station entrance towards Harrogate, opposite the station entrance towards Leeds.
- Metro: 0113 245 7676
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Headingley
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop close to the station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the Bus Stops on Kirkstall Lane close to the junction with the station approach road. (Station side for Leeds, opposite side for Harrogate)
- Metro: WYPTE 0113 245 7676
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Leeds.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar 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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost 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
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation 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
More options for your journey from Leeds to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Leeds
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