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Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
£19.40
On Sun 19 Apr
Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
The journey from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly on the fastest train in 1h 55m, usually 2h 23m. Each day, 76 trains leave from Leicester, starting at 01:51 and ending at 23:37. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:10 Leicester | 1h 55m, 1 change | 21:05 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
19:18 Leicester | 2h 1m, 1 change | 21:19 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
19:41 Leicester | 2h 24m, 1 change | 22:05 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
19:50 Leicester | 2h 40m, 1 change | 22:30 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
20:20 Leicester | 2h 4m, 1 change | 22:24 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly 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: Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Travel from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly with trains operated by CrossCountry, and get there in about 2 hr 29 min. This approximately 120 km (74 mile) journey requires a change along the way, but with hourly departures, you have plenty of choice for your trip to Manchester.
Enjoy rural landscapes as you depart Leicester before arriving for your change in Birmingham, where you can admire the architecture of New Street station. From here, you will be accompanied by views of the rolling hills of the Pennines before arriving at your Manchester destination.
While on board, you can enjoy the service provided by CrossCountry, an operator providing long-distance inter-city routes across Great Britain. Their extensive network offers plenty of destinations, including Glasgow, York and Edinburgh.
Departing from Leicester
Leicester station is the sole train station serving Leicester, located in the southeast of the city centre. You can get to the station via one of the many bus lines, stopping at the nearby Prebend St, Station St or Charles St – all within a three-minute walk – by taxi, or on foot; the station is just around a 12-minute walk from Gallowtree Gate.
The station is a central stop on the Midlands Main Line operated by East Midlands Railway between London and Sheffield, with connections to these two destinations as well as stops like Derby, Chesterfield and Nottingham. CrossCountry operates from Leicester station on their Birmingham–Leicester and Birmingham–Stansted Airport routes, with further connections to stops like Nuneaton and Melton Mowbray.
Main stops
The main stops on the Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train with CrossCountry are Nuneaton, Coleshill Parkway, Birmingham New Street – where you will change trains – Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield and Stockport. Stops may vary according to your route, departing time and operator.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is one of four train stations in the city, and it's the busiest. It is located in the southeast of Manchester city, and its location makes it a great jumping-off point for a trip here.
Getting around from Manchester Piccadilly is a breeze, with its interconnected Metrolink tram service and its extensive National Rail network, you can reach destinations like London, Birmingham, Glasgow and various locations across Wales and Northern England.
With many of Manchester’s most iconic spots located only a stone’s throw away, you won’t be stuck for things to do. Piccadilly Gardens offers the perfect opportunity for an easy stroll combined with some people-watching, while the Northern Quarter is ideal for some retail therapy in its many independent shops. And if you’re looking for nightlife, Manchester’s Gay Village is located on Canal Street for some lively LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
CrossCountry train classes
CrossCountry offers two service classes for you to choose from for your Leicester to Manchester train journey.
- Standard Class: Standard tickets offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a catering service.
- First Class: Travel First Class from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly and enjoy larger reclining seats, more table space and complimentary refreshments on some services.
Buy cheap train tickets from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly by booking in advance on TrainPal.
CrossCountry train travel advice
Take the guesswork out of train travel with our breakdown of everything you need to know about getting from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly by train with CrossCountry.
- Luggage: One large suitcase per passenger, to be stored in the luggage racks by carriage doors. Smaller bags can be stored under the seat or in the overhead racks.
- Bicycles: Pre-booking your bike space may be necessary depending on your specific route. All trains have at least two bike spaces, with extra space on Voyager trains. Without a booking, space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pets: Two pets per passenger travel free. Dogs must be on a lead or in a pet carrier. Other pets must be transported in a carrier, taking care not to occupy passenger space.
- Children: Prams must be folded and stowed in designated areas. Under 5s travel free, with discounts available for children up to 15. Railcards such as the 16–25 Railcard can reduce fares for older children.
- Passenger Assist: Support is available for elderly passengers or passengers with reduced mobility on CrossCountry trains, from planning the journey to disembarking the train, and can be requested on the day or booked in advance.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
Travelling by train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Leicester, you can reach Manchester Piccadilly in just 1h 55m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly?
The average ticket fare from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is about £19.40, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly?
What is the fastest train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly?
The fastest train journey time from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is 1h 55m. 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 Manchester Piccadilly?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly. 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 Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
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
How do I find Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly train timetables?
Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The route from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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 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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed 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 Manchester Piccadilly 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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