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Birmingham New Street to Leicester train ticket prices
€2.59
On Fri 03 Apr
Birmingham New Street to Leicester train timetable
The journey from Birmingham New Street to Leicester on the fastest train in 48m, usually 56m. Each day, 35 trains leave from Birmingham New Street, starting at 05:19 and ending at 22:22. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:22 Birmingham New Street | 49m, Direct | 11:11 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:52 Birmingham New Street | 59m, Direct | 11:51 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:22 Birmingham New Street | 48m, Direct | 12:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:52 Birmingham New Street | 58m, Direct | 12:50 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
12:20 Birmingham New Street | 50m, Direct | 13:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Birmingham New Street to Leicester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Birmingham New Street to Leicester with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry trains from Birmingham New Street to Leicester
Direct services between Birmingham New Street and Leicester are primarily operated by CrossCountry, making it the most convenient rail option for this Midlands journey. The trip usually takes around 50 minutes, covering roughly 34 miles across the region.
What should you expect in CrossCountry Standard Class?
Standard Class on CrossCountry trains serving this route is operated by Class 170 Turbostar or Voyager units. Seating follows a practical 2+2 layout with a mix of airline-style rows and table seats for groups of four.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to passengers, and power sockets are located at most window seats. Overhead racks handle smaller bags, while larger suitcases can be placed in dedicated luggage stacks positioned near the carriage doors.
Is CrossCountry First Class worth it for this route?
For a relatively short journey, CrossCountry First Class still offers a noticeable upgrade in comfort. Seating follows a 2+1 arrangement, meaning wider seats and more personal space. Solo travellers often prefer the single-seat rows, which provide additional privacy. Larger tables are available for working or dining, and the carriage is usually quieter.
How accessible are CrossCountry trains on this route?
CrossCountry trains are equipped with several accessibility features to support passengers with additional needs. Wheelchair spaces are located near accessible toilets, usually in Coach B or C, depending on the train formation.
Train travels from Birmingham New Street to Leicester
Travelling by train between Birmingham New Street and Leicester is one of the most efficient ways to cross the Midlands. Understanding the departure layout at Birmingham, what you might see along the route, and how to exit Leicester station will help make the trip straightforward.
Departure from Birmingham New Street
Birmingham New Street sits beneath the Grand Central shopping complex and operates using a distinctive “lounge” system. Passengers pass through colour-coded departure areas before descending to platforms below.
Specific transport links
- West Midlands Metro Blue Line: Tram stop at Grand Central connects directly to Wolverhampton and the Jewellery Quarter
- Local buses on Smallbrook Queensway: NX West Midlands routes 16, 87 and X8 provide frequent city connections
- Birmingham Moor Street station: Approximately a six-minute walk via the Bullring for Chiltern Railways services
- Stephenson Street entrance: Direct pedestrian access into Birmingham’s central shopping and business district
Station layout
- Colour-coded lounges: Red, Blue and Green zones act as departure gates for different platform groups
- Platforms 1–12: Located below the main concourse and divided into “a” and “b” sections
- Long-distance services: CrossCountry trains often depart from the Blue or Green lounge areas
Pre-departure essentials
Costa and Pret A Manger on the concourse provide reliable early-morning coffee. M&S Food and Sainsbury’s Local are convenient for picking up a standard meal deal or snacks for the journey. If you have a little more time, head upstairs into Grand Central, where Black Sheep Coffee and LEON offer quick breakfast choices.
Onboard trains from Birmingham New Street to Leicester
Although the journey is under an hour, the route still offers a mix of urban views and countryside landscapes as the train travels east across the Midlands.
The scenic side
Sit on the left-hand side for views of the Warwickshire countryside, open farmland around Coleshill Parkway, rolling fields and villages near Hinckley.
Key landmarks
- St Andrew’s Stadium: Visible shortly after leaving Birmingham on the right side of the train
- National Space Centre tower: Distinctive rocket-like structure often visible on approach to Leicester
- Leicester sports venues: Stadium structures occasionally visible as the train enters the city
Arriving at Leicester
Leicester railway station is located just south of the city centre and provides straightforward connections into the surrounding area.
The correct exit
- Main entrance (London Road): Primary exit leading directly to taxis and the main city centre route
- Covered portico area: Weather-protected taxi rank located immediately outside the station entrance
- Station Street exit: Smaller side exit offering quicker access to nearby local bus stops
Onward travel
- Taxi rank on London Road: Black cabs are usually available without pre-booking outside the main entrance
- Local buses: Several Leicester city bus routes stop directly outside the station
- HOP city shuttle: Free circular bus linking the station with key locations around the city centre
- St Margaret’s Bus Station: Around a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride for National Express coaches
Walkability
Leicester city centre is easily reachable on foot. Granby Street begins directly opposite the station entrance and leads towards the Clock Tower and Highcross Shopping Centre within around 10–15 minutes. The University of Leicester is roughly a 15-minute walk south along London Road, while King Power Stadium can be reached in about 20–25 minutes on foot.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Birmingham New Street to Leicester train travel guide
The train journey from Birmingham New Street to Leicester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham New Street, you can get to Leicester in just 48m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham New Street to Leicester?
The average fare from Birmingham New Street to Leicester is approximately €2.59, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Birmingham New Street to Leicester?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham New Street to Leicester?
The fastest train journey time from Birmingham New Street to Leicester is 48m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Leicester?
No, there are no direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Leicester. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Birmingham New Street to Leicester?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Birmingham New Street to Leicester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Birmingham New Street to Leicester trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Birmingham New Street to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham New Street to Leicester are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Birmingham New Street to Leicester route?
The route from Birmingham New Street to Leicester is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Birmingham New Street to Leicester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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