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Leicester to Birmingham International train ticket prices
£8.54
On Sat 5
Leicester to Birmingham International train timetable
From Leicester to Birmingham International, take the fastest train in 1h 12m, typically 1h 24m. Daily, 22 trains depart from Leicester, with the first at 05:48 and the last at 21:50. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:20 Leicester | 1h 25m, 1 change | 21:45 Birmingham International | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
20:50 Leicester | 1h 22m, 1 change | 22:12 Birmingham International | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
21:18 Leicester | 1h 36m, 1 change | 22:54 Birmingham International | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
21:50 Leicester | 1h 18m, 1 change | 23:08 Birmingham International | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
22:25 Leicester | 1h 44m, 1 change | 00:09 Birmingham International | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Leicester to Birmingham International train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Leicester to Birmingham International 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 Leicester to Birmingham International
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.
Train travels from Leicester to Birmingham International
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.
Why book Leicester to Birmingham International trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Leicester to Birmingham International start from just £8.54 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, LNR & WMR on the Leicester to Birmingham International route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Leicester to Birmingham International train travel guide
The train journey from Leicester to Birmingham International combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Leicester, you can get to Birmingham International in just 1h 12m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Leicester to Birmingham International?
The average fare from Leicester to Birmingham International is approximately £8.54, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Leicester to Birmingham International by train?
What is the fastest train from Leicester to Birmingham International?
The fastest train journey time from Leicester to Birmingham International is 1h 12m. 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 Leicester to Birmingham International?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Leicester to Birmingham International. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Leicester to Birmingham International?
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Leicester to Birmingham International trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Leicester to Birmingham International trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Leicester to Birmingham International is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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 Leicester to Birmingham International trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Leicester to Birmingham International route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Leicester to Birmingham International route?
The train from Leicester to Birmingham International is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Leicester to Birmingham International 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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