Peterborough to Leicester Trains From £5.20*

Weave through miles of the beautiful English countryside as you travel from Peterborough to Leicester. CrossCountry operates trains every hour, and journeys take approximately 55 minutes.

With services centred around Birmingham New Street station, CrossCountry offers medium- and long-distance rail routes outside of Greater London. Trains serve stations across the North of England, Midlands, Wales, East Anglia and Scotland. Destinations include Coventry, Reading and Cambridge.

Departing from Peterborough

Peterborough station provides regular local and long-distance rail services. Trains are operated by CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway (EMR), Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Grand Central and Great Northern. Other than trains from Peterborough to Leicester, you can also head to Stevenage, Liverpool, Newcastle, among other locations.

Located on Station Road, Peterborough railway station is only 12 minutes away from the city centre on foot. A taxi rank is available, and Queensgate Bus Station is a seven-minute walk away.

Main stops

Stops on your Peterborough to Leicester train vary based on the journey time, train company and route. The main stops include Stamford, Oakham and Melton Mowbray.

Arriving at Leicester

Situated on London Road, you can get from Leicester train station to the city centre in less than ten minutes. Several bus routes stop immediately in front of the station, including the 15, 31A, 48, 81 and X31. You can also catch a cab from the station taxi rank.

The operators serving Leicester station are CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway (EMR). Direct routes travel to and from London St Pancras International, Stansted Airport, Nottingham, Sheffield and other stations.

As one of the oldest cities in England, Leicester has much to discover. Wander through St Martin’s Square, into Leicester Cathedral and along the Grand Union Canal. Europe’s largest covered outdoor market sits right in the city centre near the clock tower, offering everything from food to clothes. Famous for its Indian restaurants, shops and the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India, there are many places to enjoy authentic food along the Golden Mile.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi access, dedicated luggage spaces and overhead racks in Standard Class carriages. On-board refreshments are also available for purchase on most CrossCountry services from 06:00 to 20:00.
• First Class: Travel from Peterborough to Leicester in First Class for larger reclining seats and more table space. Passengers also get complimentary food and drinks.

To buy cheap train tickets, book as early as possible before the date of travel.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: CrossCountry’s luggage limitations are one small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (up to 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres) per passenger.
• Bicycles: Pre-booking a space for your bike is advised. E-bikes must not exceed 250 watts, and e-scooters are not allowed on board.
• Children: Most tickets are half price for children aged 5–15. Under-5s can travel free with a fare-paying adult. Additional savings can be claimed with the 16–17 Saver Railcard or Family and Friends Railcard.
• Pets: Bring up to two pets in a carrier or on a lead on board for free. They should be off the seats at all times.
• Passenger Assist: Help with your journey (e.g., moving around the station) can be requested online, by phone or via the Transreport app or webform.

East Midlands Railway runs one direct evening service each weekday from Peterborough to Leicester. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 11 minutes, passing the delightful English countryside.

Offering regional, intercity and commuter services across the East Midlands, London and the North of England, East Midlands Railway also serves Luton Airport. Other stations on its routes include Corby, Bedford and Nottingham.

East Midlands Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Free Wi-Fi and plug sockets are available on some Standard Class services. Carriages have comfy seats with either a table or a tray table. 
• First Class: There are currently no Peterborough to Leicester First Class services with East Midlands Railway. First Class accommodation is only offered on intercity trains to and from London St Pancras International. Carriages are fitted with roomier seating, individual tables and plug sockets. Passengers can enjoy complimentary refreshments on weekdays. “First plus parking” tickets offer return travel and three days’ parking (selected stations only).

East Midlands Railway train travel advice 

• Luggage: Bring no more than three items (two larger bags and a smaller piece of hand luggage) on board. 
• Bicycles: Place bikes or e-bikes in the vestibule area and do not leave them unattended. Spaces can’t be booked for same-day travel. On weekdays, non-folding bikes aren’t allowed on trains arriving in London before 10:00 or leaving London from 16:00 to 19:00. E-scooters aren’t permitted.
• Children: Under-5s travel for free. Tickets for 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders are typically half price. Groups can use the Family and Friends Railcard for a third off for up to four adults and 60% off for four kids.
• Pets: Two pets are allowed on board when they’re on a lead or in a secure carrier. Animals mustn’t occupy seats. 
• Passenger Assist: Request assistance for your journey, such as using ramps, up to two hours before your train. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.