Timetable

Train route

Travel guide

Cheap train tickets

Cardiff to Leicester train prices and times

Looking to travel from Cardiff to Leicester? You can buy train tickets with Trip.com for as low as £18.40, with average prices for this route around £40.90.

To get the best deals, we' d recommend buying in advance and researching alternatives such as split tickets.

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Mon, Apr 28
From £18.40
Tue, Apr 29
From £18.40
Wed, Apr 30
From £18.40
Thu, May 1
From £18.40
Fri, May 2
From £18.40
Sat, May 3
From £18.40
Sun, May 4

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Departs	Arrives	Duration	Find Tickets
05:54 Cardiff Central	09:13 Leicester	3h 19m, No direct	Find Tickets
06:24 Cardiff Central	09:52 Leicester	3h 28m, No direct	Find Tickets
06:39 Cardiff Central	10:51 Leicester	4h 12m, No direct	Find Tickets
07:23 Cardiff Central	10:51 Leicester	3h 28m, No direct	Find Tickets
07:45 Cardiff Central	11:12 Leicester	3h 27m, No direct	Find Tickets
07:49 Cardiff Central	11:12 Paris	3h 23m, No direct	Find Tickets View More Trains

Cardiff to Leicester train route details

First train

05:54

Last train

23:34

Departure station

Cardiff

Arrival station

Leicester

Journey time

3h 11m

Distance

119 miles

Price

£18.40*

Train Operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

How to book cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Leicester

Travelling in off-peak train times

We recommend buying train tickets from Cardiff to Leicester during off-peak hours. These times are usually before 06:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, and after 19:00 on weekdays, as well as all day on weekends and bank holidays. Choosing Off-Peak train tickets means benefiting from cheaper fares and less crowded trains, making your journey more enjoyable.

Using the Railcard for 1/3 off

You can choose a Railcard to help you save up to 1/3 on fares from Cardiff to Leicester for various reasons, such as your age (including the 16-25 Railcard or Senior Railcard) or options geared towards group travel (Family & Friends Railcard and Two Together Railcard). Discover more here.

Split Tickets to save an average extra 30%

Another option to consider is splitting your tickets, which can save you around extra 30% on fares. Instead of purchasing a direct ticket from Cardiff to Leicester, you can split the route into two legs: A to C and C to B. This often turns out to be more affordable than buying a direct ticket, and you won’t even need to leave the train… or often your seat!.

Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Advance Tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before the travel date and can be significantly cheaper than tickets purchased closer to departure. By planning your trip from Cardiff to Leicester ahead of time and securing your tickets early, you can save up to 61% on the cost of your travel.

Group travels to save 1/3

If you are travelling in a group, be sure to check out group travel discounts. Many train companies offer a ⅓ off standard fares for groups of three to nine people, making travelling from Cardiff to Leicester more affordable for families, friends, or colleagues planning a trip together.

Cardiff to Leicester train ticket types

There are various ticket types available for this route, each with different benefits and restrictions. Explore below to see which ticket type is best suited to your travel needs:

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak train tickets
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Off-peak tickets are cheaper and offer more flexibility for travel during less busy times. Super Off-Peak tickets are even cheaper and suitable for unconventional schedules.
Return train tickets
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This ticket includes both the outbound and return journeys, saving you the time and hassle of purchasing separate tickets. With just one ticket, you can travel smoothly along the same route.
Advance train tickets
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Typically, the most cost-effective option for train travel. They are usually available for purchase 12 weeks before the travel date.
Season train tickets
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It’s a type of train ticket that allows unlimited travel within two stations for a week, a month, or a year. What’s more, it can save you more than 1/3 on train fares.

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Why Book Train Tickets With Trip.com?

Split Tickets
Save an average of 30% on train fares by splitting your Cardiff to Leicester journey
National Rail Partners
Official train ticket sellers with 5-star customer service
No Booking Fees on the App
Only pay for your train travel – no hidden fees
Online Customer Support
Prompt, reliable, customer-centric online assistance for your convenience.

*After comparing the full year of 2023 for Split tickets and full-price tickets on Trip.com, the average savings rate for Split tickets is 30%.

Trains from Cardiff to Leicester from £18.40*

Save an average of 30%* with Split Tickets

Cardiff to Leicester train prices and times

Cardiff to Leicester train route details