Leeds to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Sun 11 Oct
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leeds to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct

Cheapest price on 11 Oct

£69

Average ticket price on 11 Oct

£94

Fastest journey on 11 Oct

5 h 8 m

Average journey duration on 11 Oct

5 h 15 m

Trains on 11 Oct

16

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 £94 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.

Fast trains

To travel from Leeds to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Transpennine ExpressG15951+Transport for WalesG38897
    9:305h19
    Leeds station (LDS)
    14:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressC24604+Transport for WalesG38930
    14:305h18
    Leeds station (LDS)
    19:48Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressG15892+Transport for WalesG38847
    12:305h35
    Leeds station (LDS)
    18:05Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressC03163+Transport for WalesG38850
    11:305h26
    Leeds station (LDS)
    16:56Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressG16005+Transport for WalesG38859
    17:305h21
    Leeds station (LDS)
    22:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change

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 6 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 280 km distance in 3h 37m.

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 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£38
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 37m
First train
2:20
Last train
21:35
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
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 £14

Live departures

Leeds to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG38871+Northern RailL89245
Delayed
7:30 6:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h20
11:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01137 · XC062800 · K00291+Great Western RailwayC42175
On time
7:10 Leeds station (LDS)
5h30
12:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 changes
Transport for WalesG38872+Northern RailL89249
Delayed
8:30 7:18Leeds station (LDS)
5h27
12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Northern RailG89451+CrossCountryG01141 · XC062700 · K00290
On time
7:44 Leeds station (LDS)
5h53
13:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38875+Northern RailL89252
Delayed
9:30 8:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h28
13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Northern RailG89455+CrossCountryG01146 · XC062600 · K00289
On time
8:45 Leeds station (LDS)
5h32
14:17 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38876+Northern RailL89255
Delayed
10:30 9:18Leeds station (LDS)
5h26
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01179+Transport for WalesG38876+West Midlands TrainsC17186
On time
9:25 Leeds station (LDS)
5h19
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01179+Transport for WalesG38924+West Midlands TrainsC16994
On time
9:25 Leeds station (LDS)
5h51
15:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Northern RailG89460+CrossCountryW29867 · XC062500 · K00288
On time
9:45 Leeds station (LDS)
5h55
15:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38879+Northern RailL89258
Delayed
11:30 10:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h30
15:47 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Northern RailG89466+CrossCountryW29872 · XC062400 · K00287
On time
10:45 Leeds station (LDS)
5h53
16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38881+Northern RailL89261
Delayed
12:30 11:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h27
16:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38926+CrossCountryG01183+West Midlands TrainsC16999
Delayed
14:15 11:34Leeds station (LDS)
5h44
17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01183+Transport for WalesG38881+West Midlands TrainsC17192
On time
11:34 Leeds station (LDS)
5h10
16:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Northern RailG89472+CrossCountryW29878 · XC062300 · K00286
On time
11:45 Leeds station (LDS)
5h52
17:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38883+Northern RailL89264
Delayed
13:30 12:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h26
17:43 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Northern RailG89478+CrossCountryW29885 · XC062200 · K00285
On time
12:45 Leeds station (LDS)
5h25
18:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4 changes
Transport for WalesG38884+Northern RailL89268
Delayed
14:30 13:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h29
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38929+CrossCountryW29934+West Midlands TrainsC17002
Delayed
16:17 13:32Leeds station (LDS)
5h48
19:20 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryW29934+Transport for WalesG38884+West Midlands TrainsC1719913:32 Leeds station (LDS)
5h14
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Transport for WalesG38887+Northern RailL89271
Delayed
15:30 14:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h28
19:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38888+Northern RailL89275
Delayed
16:30 15:17Leeds station (LDS)
5h39
20:56 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29938+Transport for WalesG38888+West Midlands TrainsY80760
On time
15:34 Leeds station (LDS)
5h22
20:56 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38891+Northern RailL89278
On time
16:17 Leeds station (LDS)
5h35
21:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Leeds to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales 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 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 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.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Leeds to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales 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.

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 37m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£38
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

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
4h 6m
Cheapest Transport for Wales 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

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.

Best day trips from Cardiff by train

The most popular day trips by train from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Cheltenham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cardiff on Omio.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cardiff to Bristol by train

Why visit Bristol for the day?

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.

How to get from Cardiff to Bristol by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 39m.

A view of Bath

Day trip from Cardiff to Bath by train

Why visit Bath for the day?

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.

How to get from Cardiff to Bath by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 54m.

A view of Swansea

Day trip from Cardiff to Swansea by train

Why visit Swansea for the day?

Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.

How to get from Cardiff to Swansea by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 50m.

A view of Newport

Day trip from Cardiff to Newport by train

Why visit Newport for the day?

Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.

How to get from Cardiff to Newport by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 10m.

A view of Cheltenham

Day trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train

Why visit Cheltenham for the day?

Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for elegant architecture, garden squares and a lively festival calendar. It is especially associated with jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival, balanced by a refined town-centre atmosphere.

How to get from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 0m.

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 £38, while the average price tends to be around £93.
The train journey from Leeds to Cardiff covers a distance of 280 km and takes approximately 3h 37m. Trains run 6 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 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leeds to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leeds to Cardiff.
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).
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.
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 Bay. 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 · £0.89 · 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.

More options for your journey from Leeds to Cardiff

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