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Leicester to Stansted Airport train times and prices
Plan your journey from Leicester to Stansted Airport 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.
Price*
From €17.32
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 19m
Distance
78 miles (125km)
First/last train
04:48 / 22:05
Frequency
40
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Leicester to Stansted Airport by train? Find fares from as low as €17.32. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€17.32
On Tue 10
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Leicester to Stansted Airport on the fastest train in 2h 19m, usually 2h 35m. Each day, 40 trains leave from Leicester, starting at 04:48 and ending at 22:05. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:43 Leicester | 2h 40m, 2 change | 13:23 Stansted Airport | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
11:04 Leicester | 2h 33m, 2 change | 13:37 Stansted Airport | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
11:13 Leicester | 2h 27m, Direct | 13:40 Stansted Airport | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:32 Leicester | 2h 35m, 2 change | 14:07 Stansted Airport | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
12:04 Leicester | 2h 19m, 2 change | 14:23 Stansted Airport | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Leicester to Stansted Airport
- Greater Anglia
- East Midlands Railway
- CrossCountry
Praised as being one of the UK’s most punctual railway companies, Greater Anglia operates reliable services across London and the East of England, primarily running along the Great Eastern Main Line and the West Anglia Main Line. You’ll also find fast airport services from London Stansted Airport under their Stansted Express service to get to London Liverpool Street.
Standard
Excellent seat comfort with thick cushioning
Standard legroom
No seat reservations
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
First Class
Valid only on journeys between London Liverpool Street and Norwich
Ideal for peak-time commuters, couples on day trips
Larger seats with a table at every seat
More legroom and space in general
No seat reservations
Complimentary refreshments from Cafe Bar during the week
Sockets and USB ports at every seat
Free onboard WiFi
Upgraded air conditioning onboard
Luggage
Seat Types
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Looking for a bit of peace and quiet on a Greater Anglia train between London and Norwich? Coach M is a designated Quiet Coach, where passengers must keep their phones on silent and take calls elsewhere. I’ve found it great for getting some work done or when I just want to relax with a book. "
"Greater Anglia’s new trains have really helpful passenger information screens that will help you find a free seat. You’ll see a graphic showing the train’s carriages in relation to where you are and carriages will either indicate three green blocks (almost empty), two green blocks, one green block or ‘Full’."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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 provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Leicester
Address:
London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Local bus services stop on London Road directly outside the station, with connections across Leicester city centre and the surrounding area. St Margaret's bus station, serving National Express and regional coaches, is approximately 15 minutes’ walk through the city centre.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance in the covered atrium on London Road.
Car: A station car park with 458 spaces is available directly adjacent to the main entrance on London Road, with blue badge spaces available.
Platforms:
Four platforms on the Midland main line, managed by East Midlands Railway. Platforms are located below the main concourse, reached via lifts and stairs. Step-free access is available throughout.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you're departing from platforms 3 or 4, Pumpkin Cafe is right there on the platform – a genuinely great stop for good coffee. Alternatively, for a meal or a drink before or after your train, head towards Granby Street, Leicester's most vibrant dining street with an excellent range of restaurants, cafes and bars, all within easy walking distance of the station. As you leave the station, look out for the statue of Thomas Cook just outside the main entrance – the man who invented package tourism was born in nearby Derbyshire and launched his first ever railway excursion from Leicester in 1841."
FAQs about Leicester Station
What’s the name of the main train station in Leicester?
Leicester's main railway station is simply called Leicester station, located on London Road. It was formerly known as Leicester London Road to distinguish it from the now-closed Leicester Central station, but has been known simply as Leicester since the 1970s.
Is there only one train station in Leicester?
Yes, Leicester only has one mainline railway station. Leicester station serves as the primary rail hub for the city and is managed by East Midlands Railway, with services to London St Pancras, Sheffield, Nottingham and beyond.
Does Leicester train station have shops?
Yes, Leicester station has a ticket office, waiting areas, toilets and a selection of food and drink options. A WH Smith is also available on the main concourse for newspapers, snacks and travel essentials.
How far is Leicester train station from the city centre?
Leicester station sits on London Road, immediately adjacent to the city centre. The main shopping streets, Market Place and the Cultural Quarter are all within a 10-15 minute walk. Granby Street, Leicester's main dining and bar street, is just a few minutes away on foot.
Arriving at Stansted Airport
Address:
Bassingbourn Road, Stansted Airport, Essex, CM24 1RW
Onward Transit Options:
Stansted Express: There are direct services to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 47 minutes and is the fastest, most frequent link between the airport and central London.
Regional trains: Greater Anglia operates services to Cambridge, Ely and Norwich approximately 30 minutes, while CrossCountry runs services to Birmingham New Street from Platform 2.
Buses and coaches: National Express coaches and local buses depart from the coach station just across from the airport terminal, serving London Paddington, London Victoria, Oxford and Great Yarmouth as well as destinations all across the region.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Bishop’s Stortford (10 minutes by train)
Cambridge (30 minutes by train)
Audley End House and Gardens (15 minutes by train)
Saffron Walden (30 minutes by bus or taxi)
Stansted Mountfitchet Castle (10 minutes by train)
Airport Transfers:
With the terminal only a 2-minute walk via lifts and escalators from the platforms, there is no airport transfer required.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Before heading to your train, there's a free water refill station next to the Burger King in the Arrivals hall – worth filling up before a long journey. Got 30 minutes before your train? Take a moment before leaving Arrivals to look up – Norman Foster's iconic floating roof, supported by inverted pyramid trusses, creates the impression of a swan in flight, and is one of the most influential pieces of airport architecture in the world. Feeling a little peckish? Leon, Pret, Itsu, Wetherspoons and Costa are all available in the terminal, with Wetherspoons (The Windmill) offering the best value for a sit-down meal at around £8-15."
FAQs: Stansted Airport Station
Has Stansted Airport got a train station?
Yes, Stansted Airport has its own dedicated railway station with step-free access throughout and located directly beneath the terminal building. It’s served by Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street as well as regional services to Cambridge and Birmingham.
How far is Stansted station from the airport terminal?
The station sits directly beneath the terminal. From the platforms it's approximately a 2-minute walk via lifts, escalators, or ramps to the check-in hall, with no transfer or shuttle required.
Is there a direct train from Stansted to London?
Yes, the Stansted Express runs direct to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes, and takes approximately 47 minutes. Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance, and walk-up fares on the day can be significantly more expensive.
What stations go direct to Stansted Airport?
There are direct trains to Stansted Airport from London Liverpool Street (Stansted Express), Cambridge, Ely, Norwich and Birmingham New Street. Services from other UK cities typically require a change either at Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
CrossCountry: Leicester to Stansted Airport trains
Whether you’re heading away on holiday or travelling for business, start your journey off on the right track with a direct CrossCountry train from Leicester to Stansted Airport, getting you to the terminal in around two and a half hours.
Travel from Leicester to Stansted Airport by train and unwind as you pass Rutland Water, one of England’s largest reservoirs, the vast fenland plains around Peterborough, and the gentle rolling farmland of Cambridgeshire.
Stretching from Penzance in Cornwall to Aberdeen in Scotland, CrossCountry operates one of Britain’s most extensive long-distance networks, with direct services spanning the country. Centred around Birmingham, CrossCountry connects major cities across the UK, including Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds.
Departing from Leicester station
Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Leicester station is the busiest railway station in Leicestershire and a key hub on the Midland Main Line.
From Leicester station, East Midlands Railway runs services south to London St Pancras up to four times an hour, and north to Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, while CrossCountry connects Leicester directly to Birmingham, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
Combining rich history with modern innovation, Leicester is famous for medieval landmarks such as Leicester Castle, as well as striking modern architecture like the National Space Centre. Known as the resting place of King Richard III, reburied in Leicester Cathedral in 2015, the city also boasts Roman remains at the Jewry Wall. Today, Leicester is also celebrated for its sporting success in football and rugby, as well as its cultural diversity, bustling shopping districts and green spaces along the River Soar.
Main stops
Aboard your scenic Leicester to Stansted Airport train you’ll skirt the edge of Rutland Water, one of England’s largest reservoirs, before passing through Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Stamford, Peterborough, Whittlesea, March and Manea, as well as historic Ely and Cambridge before arriving into Stansted Airport.
Arriving at Stansted Airport
Arriving into London Stansted Airport station, you’ll step straight into the terminal, just a short walk from check-in and departures.
Stansted Airport connects passengers to nearly 200 destinations across 39 countries – from European city breaks in Dublin, Milan and Lisbon, to sunny beach escapes like Ibiza and Bari, plus seasonal charter routes and long-haul flights to Dubai and Barbados. So, whether you’re travelling for business or heading off on holiday, this direct CrossCountry service from Leicester provides a fast and hassle-free link straight to the terminal.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: CrossCountry’s Standard Class offers comfortable travel with free Wi-Fi and accessible seating, plus onboard catering on many routes. So, whether you’re on a long-distance Voyager or a regional Turbostar, you can expect spacious carriages and welcoming service throughout your journey.
- First Class: Travel from Leicester to Stansted Airport First Class and enjoy wider reclining seats, extra legroom and an at-seat table, ideal for working on the go or simply relaxing. Many services also include complimentary snacks and drinks.
CrossCountry train travel advice
Get ready for your Leicester to Stansted Airport train with these key travel tips, covering everything you need to know from luggage, bikes and children to pets and accessibility support.
- Luggage: Space is limited on CrossCountry trains, so passengers are advised to travel with just one medium bag where possible. On Voyager services, larger items can be stored in the designated luggage racks in Coaches D and J.
- Bicycles: Standard and electric bikes are welcome on board CrossCountry services with a free reservation, while folding bikes can travel without one. Please note that e-scooters are not permitted.
- Children: Kids under five can travel for free, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for 50% off standard adult fares. Families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, which gives a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s tickets.
- Pets: You can bring up to two pets on board CrossCountry trains at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and all pets must remain off the seats.
- Passenger Assist: If you need help with boarding, luggage or reserving a wheelchair space, you can book assistance in advance through Passenger Assist or speak to staff at stations on the day of travel.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Leicester to Stansted Airport
Apply for Greater Anglia Delay Repay
If your Greater Anglia train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
FAQ
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How much is a train from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
Tickets from Leicester to Stansted Airport typically cost €100.45, but can be as cheap as €17.32 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 35m, though it can be as quick as 2h 19m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
Yes, there is a direct train between Leicester and Stansted Airport. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
You can typically book tickets from Leicester to Stansted Airport up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Leicester to Stansted Airport trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Leicester to Stansted Airport are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Leicester from Stansted Airport?
The distance between Leicester and Stansted Airport is approximately 78 miles (125km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
There is 40 train running from Leicester to Stansted Airport per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Leicester to Stansted Airport?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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