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London to Leicester train ticket prices
£18.20
On Sat 13 Jun
London to Leicester train timetable
Journey from London to Leicester on the fastest train in 1h 50m, usually 1h 58m. Every day, 29 trains leave from London, starting at 09:00 and ending at 23:05. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:30 London St. Pancras International | 1h 58m, Direct | 19:28 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:00 London St. Pancras International | 2h, 1 change | 20:00 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:00 London St. Pancras International | 2h 3m, Direct | 20:03 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:30 London St. Pancras International | 1h 57m, Direct | 20:27 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
19:00 London St. Pancras International | 2h, Direct | 21:00 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
The train journey from London to Leicester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Leicester in just 1h 50m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Leicester?
Ticket prices from London to Leicester average around £18.20, 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 quickest train journey from London to Leicester takes 1h 50m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
How do I find London to Leicester train timetables?
While London to Leicester trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London to Leicester is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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?
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?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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 East Midlands Railway. 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
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.
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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
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its 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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