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Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train ticket prices

Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester by train? Find fares from as low as €10.49. 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

€10.49󰄽

On Wed 24 Jun

  • €23.53󰄽
    Sat20 Jun
  • €22.07󰄽
    Sun21 Jun
  • €41.59󰄽
    Mon22 Jun
  • €37.47󰄽
    Tue23 Jun
  • Wed24 Jun
  • €21.46󰄽
    Thu25 Jun
  • €10.49󰄽
    Fri26 Jun

Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetable

Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester, the fastest train takes 1h 36m with an average travel time of 2h 45m. 49 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 01:02 and the last at 20:46. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

23:52

Manchester Piccadilly
6h 47m, 1 change

06:39

Leicester
TransPennine Express
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Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly 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.

Price
From €10.49
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
74 miles (120km)
Journey time
1h 36m
First train
01:02
Last train
20:46
Frequency
49

EMR vs CrossCountry: Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester

By Daniel Clark | Updated June 9, 2026
There are no direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester, but you still have a choice of operators that can get you to the Midlands with only one change. Here’s a comparison to help you choose between the two most popular train operators from Manchester to Leicester.

Train operators

Avg. duration

Departure station

Best for

Feature services

2h 27m

Manchester Piccadilly

Leisure Seekers

Frequent departures, best natural views

CrossCountry

3h 45m

Manchester Piccadilly

First Class Experience

Free onboard Wi-Fi

  • East Midlands Railway is a major operator of popular routes throughout the East Midlands region, with connections to South Yorkshire and London.
  • CrossCountry offers a practical onboard experience across its comprehensive UK network, and provides free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats as standard.

Train travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester

Leicester is a popular destination in the Midlands, whether for a day out by train or for a big night at a music or sports event. To make the most of your trip without the stress of navigating motorways, take the train from Manchester Piccadilly. The distance between the two stations is about 75 miles. Whatever your plans, our local station secrets can help you arrive in style.

Manchester Piccadilly: Getting to the Platform

Conveniently close to Piccadilly Gardens in the south east of Manchester, you’ll likely arrive on foot via Piccadilly Plaza. If you’re approaching from the Northern Quarter, you’ll use the London Road entrance, while the Station Approach entrance is convenient for passengers arriving via tram or bus.
  • Manchester’s free bus: This northern powerhouse city has excellent public transit. To get to Piccadilly Station, make use of the Manchester Metrolink tram system, or hop on a free bus service from the city centre.
  • Station bar: There’s something special about a station bar, and The Mill is definitely one a venue worth visiting. Situated on the upper level of Manchester Piccadilly, this characterful pub offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Onboard trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester

With one change and various different routes available, your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester can offer different perspectives depending which services you take. Here’s what to look out for on the most popular routes to Leicester.

  • Key Landmarks: On the EMR route that involves a change in Sheffield, you’ll cruise through the Peak District National Park, with stunning natural views of Blacka Moor Nature Reserve, and characterful villages like Edale. If you take the Avanti train west, you’ll change at Nuneaton, while the CrossCountry route will take you to Birmingham.
  • The View Alert: Sit on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East) for the best Peak District views with EMR, including the iconic Ladybower Reservoir.

Arriving at Leicester

Located on London Road in the heart of the East Midlands’ largest city, Leicester railway station is an ideal starting point to launch your day out. Within a few minutes of the station, you’ll find an inspiring array of independent cafes and bars.

  • Easy exit: A four-platform station, with one main exit, it’s to find your way out of Leicester Station. The platforms are a floor below the main entrance, so you’ll need to climb the stairs, or take the lift to the main concourse.
  • Hop on it: If you prefer to board a bus for onward connections around Leicester, you’ll find a number of travel options directly opposite the railway station. Or for even more choice, Leicester St Margarets is a larger bus station only 10 minutes from the train station. Just like Manchester, Leicester has a free bus service (Hop!) around the city centre too!

Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train travel guide

The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can get to Leicester in just 1h 36m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?

Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester average around €10.49, 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester.

What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?

The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is 1h 36m. 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?

No, there are no direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly 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 Manchester Piccadilly 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

Check timetables and during the journey

Are Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

While Manchester Piccadilly 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 Manchester Piccadilly 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester Piccadilly 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?

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

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

Can UK train 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 Train Tickets and Off-Peak train 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.

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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route?

The Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* 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.