Leicester to Stansted Airport Trains From £6.40*

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.