Birmingham New Street to Leicester Trains From £2.15*

Journey from Birmingham’s industrial heart to Leicester’s textile heritage on a direct CrossCountry train, reaching Leicester in under an hour. Sit back and relax aboard your Birmingham to Leicester train and enjoy the views – from Birmingham’s canals and red-brick suburbs to Warwickshire’s rolling farmland and historic towns before arriving into Leicester's unique blend of cathedral spires and modern skyline.

CrossCountry operates one of Britain’s widest-reaching rail networks, spanning from Penzance in Cornwall to Aberdeen in northern Scotland. With Birmingham as its central hub, CrossCountry links major cities all across the country, including Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds.

Departing from Birmingham New Street

Right in the heart of Birmingham, New Street is the city’s largest and busiest station and a major interchange for destinations all across the UK.

Managed by Network Rail, Birmingham New Street station is fully step-free and well equipped with modern ticketing facilities, shops, cafés, and a first class lounge. With bus stops, taxi ranks and Midland Metro services just outside, it’s easily accessible from all across the city.

From Birmingham New Street, you can travel directly to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Edinburgh with services operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway.

Main stops

Your CrossCountry journey from Birmingham to Leicester will take you through the scenic landscapes of the West Midlands, Warwickshire and Leicestershire, stopping at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough and South Wigston before arriving into Leicester.

Arriving at Leicester

Just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, Leicester station is a major stop on the Midland Main Line. Managed by East Midlands Railway, it offers step-free access throughout, staffed assistance, ticket machines, shops, cafés and comfortable waiting areas, combining modern facilities with easy access to the heart of Leicester.

From here, East Midlands Railway operates frequent rail services south to London St Pancras and north to Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, while CrossCountry links Leicester directly to Birmingham, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.

From its medieval castle and Roman remains at Jewry Wall to the strikingly futuristic National Space Centre, Leicester is a city where history and innovation meet. Famous as the resting place of King Richard III, now reinterred in Leicester Cathedral since 2015, Leicester is celebrated for its diverse culture, sporting achievements and leafy riverside spaces.

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: Settle in to your long-distance Voyager or regional Turbostar service with CrossCountry and enjoy a relaxed ride with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Many services from Birmingham New Street to Leicester also offer onboard dining, so you can grab a snack or drink along the way.
• First Class: Travel from Birmingham New Street to Leicester First Class for a relaxing journey with wider reclining seats, generous legroom, and at-seat tables – perfect for both work or relaxation. Many services also include complimentary snacks and soft drinks, while at Birmingham New Street, you can unwind in the lounge before boarding your train.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Preparing to travel from Birmingham New Street to Leicester with CrossCountry? Here’s a handy guide containing everything you need to know before you go – from travelling with luggage, bikes, kids and pets to accessibility support.

• Luggage: As space is limited, CrossCountry recommends bringing only one medium-sized bag onboard where possible. On Voyager trains, larger cases can be stored in the luggage racks in Coaches D and J.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome onboard CrossCountry services with a free reservation, and it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a space. Folding bikes can travel on any service if kept folded, e-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under the age of five can travel for free, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for 50% off both standard and first class fares. Families can unlock even more savings with a Family & Friends railcard, giving adults one-third off standard fares and 60% off for children.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and all pets should be kept off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you want to reserve a wheelchair space or if you need a little extra help with boarding, handling luggage or navigating stations, you can pre-book Passenger Assist at the time of purchasing your ticket, or just ask staff at the station on the day.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.