Leicester to Birmingham International Trains From £8.42*

Is CrossCountry First Class worth the upgrade?

Upgrading to First Class on CrossCountry trains transforms the 50-minute trip into a quieter, more comfortable experience. Passengers benefit from larger reclining seats, more legroom, and access to tables. For peak-hour travellers, the reduced crowding and workspace often make the extra fare worthwhile.

How much luggage space is available on board?

CrossCountry Voyager and Turbostar trains feature overhead racks for small bags and luggage stacks at the end of each carriage for larger suitcases. Popular times can see these areas fill quickly.

Departure from Leicester

Leicester Station is the hub for East Midlands rail travel, with CrossCountry trains to Birmingham departing roughly every 30 minutes.

Specific transport links

• Arriva and First Bus: City routes such as 31 and 48 stop directly outside the main entrance on London Road.
• Hospital Hopper: A shuttle linking the station to Leicester’s hospitals and the University of Leicester campus.
• Taxis and Cycles: Large Hackney Carriage rank at the front; Town Hall Square cycle hub is a five-minute walk away.

Station layout

• Platform 2 & 3: Primary departure points for Birmingham-bound CrossCountry trains.
• Main concourse: Central area with ticket barriers, digital screens, and information desks.
• Waiting areas: Both heated and unheated seating zones are available near the platforms.

Pre-departure essentials

Pumpkin Cafe and Whistlestop provide snacks, while the Starbucks near the ticket barriers is ideal for a premium coffee or a more substantial meal deal. Ticket machines, toilets, and waiting areas are clearly signposted and easy to locate.

Onboard trains from Leicester to Birmingham International

CrossCountry’s modern Voyager and Turbostar fleets offer a comfortable environment, making the journey convenient for both business and leisure travellers.

The scenic side

• Sit on the left-hand side for panoramic views of the rolling Leicestershire countryside and the approach to the West Midlands.
• Sit on the right-hand side for watching historic brickwork, railway junctions, and the industrial outskirts near Nuneaton.

Key landmarks

• Nuneaton station: Victorian architecture and junction tracks mark a notable stop on the journey.
• "Ozzy" the Bull: A massive animatronic bull from the Commonwealth Games, located inside the Grand Central concourse above the platforms.

Arriving at Birmingham International

After a 10–15 minute transfer from Birmingham New Street, passengers arrive at a busy interchange handling over 5 million annual travellers. It serves as the main gateway to Birmingham Airport and Resorts World Arena, with direct links via the AirRail Link and local bus services.

The correct exit

• Airport and NEC exit: Upper-level walkway to AirRail Link and exhibition halls.
• Station front exit: Leads to the Taxi Rank and Long Stay car parks.
• Resorts World exit: Follow NEC signs, veer south past ticket barriers for shopping and cinema access.

Onward travel

• AirRail Link: Free automated shuttle, departing every 2 minutes, reaches the airport terminal in 90 seconds.
• Bus and coach station: Two-minute walk; X1 and X12 buses to Birmingham City Centre or Coventry.
• Car hire: Available inside the station concourse for airport travellers.
• Taxis: Rank is located at the ground-level exit for quick access to the city or surrounding areas.

Walkability

While the NEC and Resorts World Arena are accessible on foot via covered walkways, Birmingham city centre lies over 8 miles away. Travellers should use a connecting train or bus service to reach the city efficiently. Covered paths and escalators make transfers straightforward, even with luggage.