Leicester to Gatwick Airport Trains From €12.88*

Catching a flight from Gatwick doesn’t mean you have to drive or battle with airport parking. From Leicester, the train offers a smooth alternative that takes the stress out of travel. The journey begins with East Midlands Railway (EMR) from Leicester to London St Pancras International, where you make a simple switch to Thameslink for the final leg straight into Gatwick Airport.

In total, the trip takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes, with some services closer to 2 hours and 21 minutes. Although the route involves a quick change, the connection is straightforward and easy to manage, even with luggage in tow. Spanning 110 miles, the ride is long enough to settle in and enjoy the scenery, from rolling countryside to the bustle of London.

With EMR and Thameslink both known for reliable and frequent services, you can trust the journey to get you to the airport on time. All that’s left is to relax, make yourself comfortable and let the trains carry you to your departure gate.

Departing from Leicester

Trains to Gatwick Airport leave from Leicester Station, which is the main station in the city and located just a short walk from the city centre. The station is easily accessible by local buses, taxis and cycling routes, making it convenient for city residents, visitors and those catching connecting trains.

Leicester Station has everything you would expect from a busy transport hub. This includes ticket offices, waiting areas, seating, wifi, refreshments, shops, parking, bike storage, pick up points, drop off points and ticket machines. It’s the ideal place to start your journey to Gatwick Airport.

If you have time to explore before your train, you’re in luck. You’ll find a range of amenities and attractions within easy reach of the station including shopping, restaurants and historic sites such as Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre. 

Main stops

As you travel between Leicester and Gatwick Airport, you’ll stop at some key stations along the way. On the first part of the journey, EMR services don’t stop, travelling straight from Leicester to London St Pancras International. If you choose one of the slightly longer services, you might stop at Market Harborough and Kettering. 

On the second part of your journey, ThamesLink stops at Farringdon, City ThamesLink, London Blackfriars, London Bridge and East Croydon, before eventually arriving at Gatwick Airport. 

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

It doesn’t matter if you’re jetting off on an exciting family holiday or you’re travelling internationally for work, your journey from Leicester will end at Gatwick Airport Station, which is part of ThamesLink’s network. Conveniently located directly beneath the South Terminal, the station puts you within easy reach of both terminals. With lots of signposts and a clear route, it’s easy to navigate from the train to where you need to be, whether you’re heading to a flight, connecting to the North Terminal, or continuing your journey elsewhere.

There are a lot of onward travel options from Gatwick Airport, both via plane and train. The ThamesLink and Gatwick Express services provide fast connections to central London, while local buses, taxis, car hire and airport shuttles allow you to reach hotels, nearby towns or other parts of the South East. Whether Gatwick is your end destination or just a small part of a much longer journey, you won’t find the station lacking in any way.

EMR and ThamesLink train classes 

• Standard Class: Travelling from Leicester to Gatwick Airport is comfortable in Standard Class on both EMR and ThamesLink services. Most trains feature free wifi and power sockets, making it easy to stay connected or work while you travel. Standard Class is also the most cost-effective option, especially when using a railcard to save up to a third on your ticket. If you want to buy cheap train tickets between Leicester and Gatwick Airport, Standard Class is the place to look.
• First Class: Some EMR and ThamesLink services offer Leicester to Gatwick Airport First Class seating, providing wider, more comfortable seats, quieter carriages, and complimentary refreshments on some trains. First Class is ideal if you want a more relaxed journey, but not all services include this option, so it’s worth checking availability before booking.

EMR and ThamesLink train travel advice

The more you know about EMR and ThamesLink services, the more you can prepare for your journey.

• Luggage - You can bring multiple bags on board both EMR and ThamesLink services as you travel between Leicester and Gatwick. EMR recommends no more than two large items per person, while ThamesLink trains feature overhead racks and designated luggage areas for easy storage.
• Bicycles - Folding bikes are allowed on both ThamesLink and EMR trains, but full sized bikes may be restricted during peak times. EMR has limited bike spaces, so booking in advance is advisable if you’re bringing a bike that doesn’t fold.
• Children - Kids under 5 travel free on EMR and ThamesLink services, and children aged between 5 and 15 benefit from discounted fares. Using a family railcard can save you up to a third on your fare if you’re travelling together.
• Pets - Up to two pets can travel free of charge on both train operators. Dogs must be on a lead, and smaller animals should be carried in a suitable container.
• Passenger Assistance - ThamesLink and EMR both offer support for passengers who need extra help when they travel. EMR recommends pre-booking assistance, whereas ThamesLink provides both pre-arranged and same-day support.