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Stansted Airport to Leicester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€17.09
On Fri 23
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Stansted Airport to Leicester on the fastest train in 2h 19m, usually 2h 25m. Each day, 40 trains leave from Stansted Airport, starting at 00:30 and ending at 20:11. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:28 Stansted Airport | 2h 21m, Direct | 10:49 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
08:41 Stansted Airport | 2h 24m, 2 change | 11:05 Leicester | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
09:11 Stansted Airport | 2h 25m, 2 change | 11:36 Leicester | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
09:25 Stansted Airport | 2h 24m, Direct | 11:49 Leicester | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:43 Stansted Airport | 2h 22m, 2 change | 12:05 Leicester | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Stansted Airport to Leicester
- East Midlands Railway
- Greater Anglia
- CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway (EMR) connects London St Pancras International with the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the East of England along the Midland Main Line. It serves major destinations including Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield, while also providing regional and airport links. Its modernisation program includes fully refurbished regional trains and a new fleet of high-speed, eco-friendly Aurora trains.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"On the Liverpool–Norwich route, Class 158 trains can become busy. If seating and luggage space are priorities, Coach A can be preferable to Coach B, where the accessible toilet and bicycle storage can reduce available seating."
"At London St Pancras International, EMR Intercity services commonly depart from Platforms 1 to 4. Instead of waiting in the busiest part of the main concourse, arriving at the upper level near the platform gates around 20 minutes before departure can help you avoid the busiest part of the concourse and secure overhead luggage space before boarding queues build up."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Stansted Airport
Address:
Bassingbourn Road, Stansted Airport, Essex, CM24 1RW
Public Transport Links:
Stansted Express: There are direct services to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 47 minutes and is the fastest, most frequent link between the airport and central London.
Regional trains: Greater Anglia operates services to Cambridge, Ely and Norwich approximately 30 minutes, while CrossCountry runs services to Birmingham New Street from Platform 2.
Buses and coaches: National Express coaches and local buses depart from the coach station just across from the airport terminal, serving London Paddington, London Victoria, Oxford and Great Yarmouth as well as destinations all across the region.
Platforms:
Three platforms with full step-free access throughout. Lifts, escalators, and ramps connect directly to the airport terminal above – it’s approximately a 2-minute walk from platform to check-in.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Before heading to your train, there's a free water refill station next to the Burger King in the Arrivals hall – worth filling up before a long journey. Got 30 minutes before your train? Take a moment before leaving Arrivals to look up – Norman Foster's iconic floating roof, supported by inverted pyramid trusses, creates the impression of a swan in flight, and is one of the most influential pieces of airport architecture in the world. Feeling a little peckish? Leon, Pret, Itsu, Wetherspoons and Costa are all available in the terminal, with Wetherspoons (The Windmill) offering the best value for a sit-down meal at around £8-15."
FAQs about Stansted Airport Station
Has Stansted Airport got a train station?
Yes, Stansted Airport has its own dedicated railway station with step-free access throughout and located directly beneath the terminal building. It’s served by Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street as well as regional services to Cambridge and Birmingham.
How far is Stansted station from the airport terminal?
The station sits directly beneath the terminal. From the platforms it's approximately a 2-minute walk via lifts, escalators, or ramps to the check-in hall, with no transfer or shuttle required.
Is there a direct train from Stansted to London?
Yes, the Stansted Express runs direct to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes, and takes approximately 47 minutes. Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance, and walk-up fares on the day can be significantly more expensive.
What stations go direct to Stansted Airport?
There are direct trains to Stansted Airport from London Liverpool Street (Stansted Express), Cambridge, Ely, Norwich and Birmingham New Street. Services from other UK cities typically require a change either at Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
Arriving in Leicester
Top Things to Do:
Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre to explore the remarkable discovery of Richard III’s remains beneath a city car park.
Explore Leicester Cathedral for centuries of local history and the tomb of Richard III.
Discover the National Space Centre for rockets and one of the UK’s best space attractions.
Wander through the Cultural Quarter for independent venues and striking architecture.
Visit Leicester Museum and Art Gallery for dinosaurs, Egyptian artefacts and changing exhibitions every season.
Popular Areas in Leicester:
The Lanes, St Martin’s Square, Clarendon Park, Braunstone Gate, and New Walk.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Leicester: New Walk is one of the city’s best lesser-known routes. It’s a Georgian pedestrian promenade running from the centre towards Victoria Park with no through traffic, making it ideal for a quieter walk. It gives you a much calmer way to see Leicester away from the main shopping streets. For another local favourite, spend time around St Martin’s Square and The Lanes too, where independent food spots and small shops give the centre so much more character."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Stansted Airport to Leicester
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
FAQ
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How much is a train from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
Tickets from Stansted Airport to Leicester typically cost €95.11, but can be as cheap as €17.09 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 25m, though it can be as quick as 2h 19m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Stansted Airport and Leicester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
You can typically book tickets from Stansted Airport to Leicester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Stansted Airport to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Stansted Airport to Leicester are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Stansted Airport from Leicester?
The distance between Stansted Airport and Leicester is approximately 79 miles (127km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
There is 40 train running from Stansted Airport to Leicester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Stansted Airport to Leicester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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