No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train ticket prices
£16.40
On Sat 08 Aug
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. 47 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:04 and the last at 21:13. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:04 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 46m, 1 change | 06:50 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 59m, 1 change | 08:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:54 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 56m, 1 change | 07:50 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 40m, 1 change | 08:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 47m, 1 change | 09:50 Leicester | CrossCountry | 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!
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
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?
The average ticket fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is about £16.40, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find 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 . 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 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, 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
How do I find Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetables?
Manchester Piccadilly 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?
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 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?
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?
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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester route?
The train from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
-
Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
-
Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website 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
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.
-
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
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