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Journey Information
There are 8 intercity coaches per day from Leicester to Cardiff. Traveling by coach from Leicester to Cardiff usually takes around 9 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest National Express coach can make the trip in 4 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 118 mi (190 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 5m |
| Cheapest price | £3.40 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Coach lines | 2 |
How much is a coach ticket from Leicester to Cardiff?
£18.06 is the average price of a bus ticket from Leicester to Cardiff. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
What coach companies travel from Leicester to Cardiff?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Leicester to Cardiff that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus usually offers more choice, with 6 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 6 | 9h 11m | £25.66 |
| National Express | 21 | 6h 57m | £25.42 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 6 trips from Leicester to Cardiff, and usually makes the trip in about 9 hours and 11 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coach takes an average of 9 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 118 miles from Leicester to Cardiff. However, the fastest coach only takes 4 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach to Cardiff at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
The first coach leaves at 03:00 and the last coach leaves at 19:00. To see the times for all coaches from Leicester to Cardiff, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 8 scheduled coaches that travel from Leicester to Cardiff every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Leicester to Cardiff; ticket prices start at £43.09.
City Information
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor centre built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavours, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express coaches. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Leicester?
Main departure station: Asda Bus Stop
Coaches to Cardiff leave from 4 stations in Leicester.
All coach stations in Leicester:
Asda Bus Stop
Leicester St Margarets Bus Station
Braunstone (Hand Luggage)
LEICESTER, St Margarets Bus Station
Where does the coach arrive in Cardiff?
Main arrival station: Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music
Coaches arrive in Cardiff at 4 stations, depending on which coach line you are traveling with.
Coach stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music
2 Sophia Cl
North Road Bus Stop
Cardiff University
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