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Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train ticket prices
€19.24
On Sat 10
Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetable
The journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester on the fastest train in 2h 14m, usually 2h 45m. Each day, 31 trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly, starting at 00:55 and ending at 22:52. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 15m, 1 change | 12:28 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 45m, 1 change | 13:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 20m, 1 change | 13:03 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 48m, 1 change | 13:51 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 16m, 1 change | 13:29 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
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.
EMR vs CrossCountry: Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
East Midlands Railway (EMR) | 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
- 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!
Why book Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester start from just €19.24 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express on the Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train travel guide
Taking the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can arrive at Leicester in just 2h 14m, 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?
Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester average around €19.24, 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is 2h 14m. 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
Are Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Manchester Piccadilly 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Manchester Piccadilly 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?
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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route?
The Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route is operated by CrossCountry. 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
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 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 Manchester Piccadilly 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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