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Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train ticket prices
£9.70
On Sat 26
Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetable
The journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester on the fastest train in 1h 46m, usually 2h 20m. Each day, 67 trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly, starting at 00:54 and ending at 22:30. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 14m, 1 change | 11:27 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
09:34 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 17m, 1 change | 11:51 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 20m, 1 change | 12:03 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
10:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 47m, 1 change | 12:50 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 15m, 1 change | 12:28 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 £9.70 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, Avanti West Coast 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
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 46m, 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?
Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester average around £9.70, 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 quickest train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester takes 1h 46m . 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
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?
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 Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetables?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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 CrossCountry. 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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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.
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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
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.
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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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