Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with CrossCountry

Fri 21 Aug
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Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
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Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
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Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for 21 Aug

Cheapest price

£78

Average price

£117

Fastest journey

3 h 3 m

Average duration

3 h 8 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

190 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £117 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.

Fast trains

To travel from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) you need to make at least one change.

  • CrossCountryG66932 · G01092
    6:173h08
    Leicester station (LEI)
    9:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01046 · G01098
    8:183h07
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG66937 · G01095
    7:223h03
    Leicester station (LEI)
    10:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £781One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00952 · G01135+Great Western RailwayG14937
    7:503h17
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1551One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG00955 · G01140+Great Western RailwayW34617
    8:503h20
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1551One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £17.

Distance: 190 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£35

Average Price

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 42m

Average total duration

5h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG66932 · G010926:17 Leicester station (LEI)
3h08
9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG00950 · G01133+Great Western RailwayG149357:07 Leicester station (LEI)
3h05
10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG66937 · G01095
On time
7:22 Leicester station (LEI)
3h03
10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG00952 · G01135+Great Western RailwayG149377:50 Leicester station (LEI)
3h17
11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01046 · G010988:18 Leicester station (LEI)
3h07
11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG00955 · G01140+Great Western RailwayW346178:50 Leicester station (LEI)
3h20
12:10 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 Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug

Why should you book Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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, West Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:17, the last at 14:18. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 3h 7m.

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 £12
Distance
190 km
Average train duration
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 7m
First train
5:17
Last train
14:18
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
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 £12

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £12. 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 7m
Cheapest Price
£17
CrossCountry frequency
7 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
Transport for Wales frequency
1 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
£175
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
£162
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

FAQs: Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 190 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 190 km.
The first train from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 5:17.
The last train from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 14:18.
Trains from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
To get from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Leicester to Cardiff Central offers varied scenery, including picturesque countryside, charming towns, and views of the River Severn as you approach Cardiff, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Leicester to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 7m. Trains operate 7 times per day over a distance of 190 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Leicester to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester station (LEI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leicester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Leicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

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

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Leicester station (LEI)

HomeTrainsLeicester station (LEI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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