No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
London to Leicester train ticket prices
€20.74
On Fri 26 Jun
London to Leicester train timetable
Travelling from London to Leicester, the fastest train takes 2h 22m with an average travel time of 2h 49m. With 80 daily trains, the first departs at 01:44 and the last at 20:48. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
02:48 London St. Pancras International | 5h 32m, 3 change | 08:20 Leicester | Thameslink | Find tickets |
03:48 London St. Pancras International | 4h 48m, 3 change | 08:36 Leicester | Thameslink | Find tickets |
04:48 London St. Pancras International | 4h 47m, 3 change | 09:35 Leicester | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:12 London Kings Cross | 2h 22m, 2 change | 07:34 Leicester | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:12 London St. Pancras International | 5h 4m, 3 change | 10:16 Leicester | Thameslink | 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
Travelling by train from London to Leicester is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Leicester in just 2h 22m, 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 London to Leicester?
Ticket prices from London to Leicester average around €20.74, 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.
What is the best way to travel from London to Leicester by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Leicester?
The fastest train journey time from London to Leicester is 2h 22m. 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 London to Leicester?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Leicester. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
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 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do London to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Leicester are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 London to Leicester route?
The London to Leicester route is operated by Chiltern Railways. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
-
Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack