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Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train ticket prices
£9.30
On Wed 27 May
Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester train timetable
The journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester on the fastest train in 1h 36m, usually 2h 45m. Each day, 60 trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly, starting at 05:04 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 53m, 1 change | 23:18 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
20:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 8m, 1 change | 22:51 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
20:46 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 9m, 2 change | 23:55 Leicester | Northern | Find tickets |
22:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 8h 7m, 1 change | 06:10 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
22:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 7h 5m, 2 change | 05:18 Leicester | TransPennine Express | 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.
Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry: Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester by train
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
Main stops
Arriving at Leicester Station
Avanti West Coast train classes
- Standard Class: Choose Standard Class tickets for the cheapest tickets from Manchester to Leicester by train with Avanti West Coast. Enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets at some seats, and access to an onboard shop where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Standard Premium: For a little more style on your journey, upgrade to Avanti West Coast Standard Premium tickets, which offer a more spacious travel experience. As well as extra legroom, you get a guaranteed table at every seat.
- First Class: If you want the highest-quality onboard experience, a First Class Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester ticket is for you. At a premium price, sit back and relax in more comfortable seats. Benefit from exclusive access to the First Class Lounge in Manchester Piccadilly before you depart, and complimentary food and drinks during your journey.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Affordable train travel from Manchester to Leicester comes with a modern travel experience on CrossCountry trains. You’ll find plug sockets for charging at your seat, optional tables, and free onboard Wi-Fi.
- First Class: To make your trip extra special, Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester First Class tickets give you reclining seats, and individual tables on the CrossCountry leg of your journey.
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
- Children: Under 5s travel free, while children aged 5 to 15 get half-price standard fare tickets. Family days out are cheaper with a Family & Friends Railcard, which offers ⅓ off group rail travel for a whole year.
- Passenger Assist: Travellers with additional needs for their journey can arrange assistance from Avanti West Coast before boarding. Ask for support boarding the train, reserving wheelchair spaces, or anything else.
- Luggage: Bring up to three pieces of luggage on Avanti services for free, up to a maximum bag size of 30 x 70 x 90 cm.
- Pets: Travel with up to two domestic animals on Avanti West Coast trains at no extra cost. Remember to keep pets on a lead or in a carrier throughout the journey.
- Bicycles: Spaces for bikes must be booked in advance (only for standard bikes, tandems and e-bikes). Folding bikes count as luggage.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Children: Bring the little ones from Manchester to Leicester without spending more on your day out! Under 5s go free on all National Rail trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, and children aged 5 to 15 can travel with a 50% discount.
- Passenger Assist: For help with your journey, book support at least two hours in advance. If you’ll need support for the CrossCountry part of your journey, use that provider’s website, Passenger Assistance App, or phone to arrange assistance.
- Luggage: No tight luggage restrictions with CrossCountry! Carry up to three items of luggage onto the train at no extra cost (one small bag, one cabin-size case, and one large suitcase).
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals are welcome onboard CrossCountry trains to Leicester. Remember: only two pets per passenger, and they must be held on a lead or in a secure carrier.
- Bicycles: To bring a bike from Manchester to Leicester, reserve a space online before travel.
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 1h 36m, 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?
The average ticket fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester is about £9.30, 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. 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, 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, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
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?
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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
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
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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
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 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
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
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 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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