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London to Leicester train ticket prices
£19.70
On Mon 10 Aug
London to Leicester train timetable
Travelling from London to Leicester, the fastest train takes 1h 3m with an average travel time of 1h 12m. With 93 daily trains, the first departs at 05:27 and the last at 23:55. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:27 London St. Pancras International | 1h 9m, Direct | 06:36 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
05:59 London St. Pancras International | 1h 6m, Direct | 07:05 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:05 London St. Pancras International | 1h 12m, Direct | 07:17 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:35 London St. Pancras International | 1h 13m, Direct | 07:48 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
07:02 London St. Pancras International | 1h 6m, Direct | 08:08 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
London to Leicester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Leicester 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.
London to Leicester with East Midlands Railway: What You Need to Know
When taking the train from London to Leicester, you’ll travel with East Midlands Railway (EMR), a friendly operator with an extensive network throughout the East Midlands and beyond.
How is the onboard experience with East Midlands Railway?
In Standard Class, passengers have access to essential travel amenities. The onboard experience is geared towards practicality and comfort. Find toilets on every train, plus a trolley service (subject to availability). EMR is known for its wide and well-supported seats.
Should I upgrade to First Class with EMR?
Although all EMR seats are comfortable, upgrading to First Class guarantees you the best travel experience. For maximum luxury, First Class increases the comfort, and ensures you’ll have power sockets and free Wi-Fi throughout your journey to the East Midlands. If travelling Monday to Saturday, enjoy complimentary food in First Class.
From which station do direct trains from London to Leicester depart?
From London to Leicester, you’ll be starting out at St Pancras International, one of the capital’s most iconic stations. Your EMR train will get you to Leicester in just over one hour.
Train travel from London to Leicester
If you’re travelling to the best place to live and work in the East Midlands, you want the best transport experience! If you plan ahead with our local station secrets, you’ll be sure to enjoy a stress-free trip. Let’s go!
London St Pancras International: Getting to the Platform
With its world-class facilities and gateway to continental Europe, London St Pancras is a popular station for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know to start your journey in style, from buying a coffee to finding your train.
- Going Underground: Getting to St Pancras is simple thanks to the capital’s fast and efficient Underground network. Arrive at Kings Cross Underground Station on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, or Victoria line. From there, follow signs to St Pancras – no need to leave the station!
- Food and drink: St Pancras is one of the UK’s best provisioned stations, from its grand pianos to its boutique coffee shops. If you have time to spare, browse books in Hatchards, or book an afternoon tea at The Hansom.
- Don’t miss your train!: Trains from London St Pancras to Leicester typically depart from platforms 2, 3 or 4, up the escalators. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the main concourse, so don’t leave it too late to head to the platform if you are enjoying your shopping a bit too much.
Onboard trains from London to Leicester
A journey with no shortage of inspiring sights, the train ride from London to Leicester will pass in the blink of an eye.
- Key Landmarks: Rolling fields abound after you escape London’s expanse of concrete. Look out for the charming riverside town of Bedford, then as you approach your destination, the Leicestershire countryside will turn to Leicester’s own urban sprawl.
- The View Alert: Choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side (facing North) for the best views of Bedford, and other scenic towns and villages.
Arriving at Leicester
A four-platform station, with one main exit, it’s to find your way out of Leicester Station and start your day in the East Midlands’ largest city.
- Easy exit: You’ll likely arrive from London at platform 2. Climb the stairs, or take the lift, to the bridge, where you’ll be able to head straight out into Leicester city centre. Barriers are usually in operation, so be sure to have your tickets ready.
- Where next?: Leicester Station is located on London Road. As a very walkable city, continuing your journey by foot is a great choice. Find several independent cafes and bars minutes from Leicester Station, including Watson’s Bar, known for its great cocktails and live music.
- Free bus: If you prefer to board a bus, head to the bus stop opposite the station. Leicester has a free Hop! service around the city centre, perfect for budget-conscious travellers. A larger bus station (St Margarets) offers more options for travel around Leicestershire, and is only 10 minutes from the train station.
London to Leicester train travel guide
Taking the train from London to Leicester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Leicester in just 1h 3m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Leicester?
Ticket prices from London to Leicester average around £19.70, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Leicester?
What is the fastest train from London to Leicester?
The fastest train journey time from London to Leicester is 1h 3m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from London to Leicester?
No, there are no direct trains from London to Leicester. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from London to Leicester?
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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Leicester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Leicester trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find 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 London to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Leicester 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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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?
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 London to Leicester route?
The train from London to Leicester is operated by Chiltern Railways. 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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 London to Leicester 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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