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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Leeds to Cardiff. The train trip from Leeds to Cardiff is usually about 4 hours and 56 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry + Connections train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 174 mi (280 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 58m |
| Lowest price | £101.54 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Leeds to Cardiff?
There are 4 train lines with service from Leeds to Cardiff. TransPennine Express + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 1 | 4h 20m | £129.50 |
| CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 4h 3m | £136.18 |
| London North Eastern Railway + Connections | 1 | 4h 23m | £141.70 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 3 | 6h 11m | £44.19 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Leeds to Cardiff usually takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 1 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Leeds to Cardiff start from £133, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Cardiff. CrossCountry + Connections in Leeds leaves from New Station St . And in Cardiff trains arrive at Cardiff Central .
From Leeds to Cardiff train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 3 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cardiff faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Leeds to Cardiff start from £31, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Cardiff. TransPennine Express + Connections in Leeds leaves from New Station St . And in Cardiff trains arrive at Cardiff Central .
From Leeds to Cardiff train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 6 hours and 11 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cardiff faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Leeds and Cardiff is approximately 174 miles, or 280 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Leeds to Cardiff on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Leeds at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cardiff to Leeds.
City Information
Leeds
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leeds is where you should go if you're looking for action, entertainment, history, and culture in the Yorkshire area. Its vibrant community attracts visitors from all places, especially when sports, theatre, and dance events occur in the city.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the city's remarkable Victorian arcades as well as historic houses and estates. Start your tour at Shibden Hall in West Yorkshire, a landmark built in 1420. You should also drop by the Royal Armories Museum to see a spectacular display of arms and armours used in different parts of the world.
Leeds has long served as a destination for world-class performances and events. Leeds' entertainment calendar is one that never runs dry. Check out the Leeds Playhouse for some theatrical performances and The HiFi Club if you want to enjoy live music 'til the break of dawn.
Travelling to Leeds is scenic and straightforward on Northern Rail. The central train station in the city is located at New Station Street. Additional transportation is offered by the coaches serving the area: National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus. Thanks to affordable coach tickets, see how you can travel to Leeds and 4 other iconic United Kingdom cities for under £60.
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 is the train station in Leeds?
Image credit: It's No Game
Link to image attributionMain departure station: New Station St
New Station Street is located in front of the large Leeds Railway Station. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority partnered with Leeds City Council and Network Rail to transform the area outside the station to better accommodate the influx of people catching a train, coach, taxi, or walking to/from the city centre. As a result, you will find an expansive pedestrian forecourt area from the station to the Queen's Hotel and many seating areas. The station's interior offers many opportunities to shop or dine before catching a train. This is where you can find additional amenities, including restrooms and travel information. Several train lines make the stop in Leeds, most notably CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and London North Eastern Railway.
All train stations in Leeds:
New Station St
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
Train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
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