Wolverhampton to Leicester Trains From £3.45*

Travelling from Wolverhampton to Leicester by train is a simple and enjoyable way to cross the Midlands, taking you from one dynamic city to another with ease. Operated by CrossCountry, the route offers a smooth connection through the heart of England, with just a quick change at Birmingham along the way.

Trains run frequently throughout the day, from early morning right through to late evening, so it’s easy to find a service that suits your plans. The full journey takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes, making it ideal for commuters, day-trippers or students heading between two of the region’s busiest hubs.

As you travel, the scenery shifts from Wolverhampton’s industrial heritage to the green fields and market towns of Warwickshire and Leicestershire, before arriving in the vibrant, multicultural city of Leicester.

Departing from Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Station is conveniently located on Railway Drive, just north of the city centre. It’s a short walk from Wolverhampton Bus Station and the Midland Metro tram stop, which provides direct services to Birmingham and local suburbs. 

From Wolverhampton, you can travel to major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, London, Liverpool, Leicester and Edinburgh, as well as regional destinations like Shrewsbury, Walsall and Coventry. CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway all run services to and from Wolverhampton, giving you access to routes heading up and down the country. 

If you have time before you need to board your train, make the most of Wolverhampton Station’s central location and explore the attractions nearby. The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the University of Wolverhampton are all within easy walking distance, while West Park provides a scenic spot to relax before you travel.

Main stops

Travelling by train from Wolverhampton to Leicester involves two different CrossCountry services. The first train takes you from Wolverhampton to Birmingham New Street, and there are no stops between these two stations. Once you’ve arrived in Birmingham, you need to swap to another CrossCountry train. This service will take you to Leicester, stopping at Water Orton, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Hinckley (Leics) and South Wigston along the way.

Arriving at Leicester

When you arrive at Leicester Train Station, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the East Midlands. The station is conveniently located on London Road, which is a 10 minute walk from Leicester city centre, making it easy to continue your journey on foot, by bus or by taxi. 

There’s a lot to see and do around Leicester Station. You can take a short walk and be in Leicester’s historic city centre, which is where you’ll find the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. For shopping and dining, Highcross Leicester offers a mix of high street favourites and independent boutiques, while Victoria Park provides a peaceful green escape nearby. 

From Leicester, you can catch direct services to London St Pancras International, Nottingham, Sheffield, Birmingham and Cambridge, as well as regional routes to towns such as Market Harborough, Loughborough and Derby. East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry are the main train operators serving the station, both of which provide frequent services.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: You can travel from Wolverhampton to Leicester in Standard Class with CrossCountry, which provides a smooth, comfortable, and affordable way to make the journey across the Midlands. Standard Class offers everything you need for an enjoyable journey, including cushioned seats, tables, luggage racks and overhead storage. Most trains also come equipped with free wifi and plug sockets, so you can stay connected as you travel from A to B. You can buy cheap train tickets if you have a valid railcard, which can save you up to a third, or if you book your journey in advance.
• First Class: If you’re in the mood for a more relaxing and premium train journey from Wolverhampton to Leicester, consider CrossCountry’s First Class options. Travelling from Wolverhampton to Leicester First Class means having access to extra wide seats, more legroom and a calm atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding or working in peace. First Class passengers are often treated to complimentary hot or cold drinks and light snacks, depending on the service.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Here’s everything you need to know about catching a CrossCountry service from Wolverhampton to Leicester, covering everything from luggage allowances to reserving space for bikes. 

• Luggage - You can bring luggage on board CrossCountry services at no extra cost. However, as space can be limited, it’s best to travel with one medium sized suitcase and a smaller item, such as a backpack. Larger bags can be stored in designated racks.
• Bicycles - If you’re planning to bring a bike from Wolverhampton to Leicester, you’ll need to reserve a space in advance. Most CrossCountry trains have two dedicated bike spaces, and some longer distance services have more. You don’t need to reserve a space for folding bikes.
• Children - CrossCountry makes family travel affordable. Children under 5 travel for free with a paying adult, and kids aged 5 - 15 can get half price tickets. You can also use a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives you 60% off children’s fares and 33% off adult tickets.
• Pets - You can take up to two pets on your CrossCountry journey for free. If you’re bringing more than two pets, an additional small fee applies.
• Passenger Assist - If you need extra help on your journey from Wolverhampton to Leicester, you can take advantage of CrossCountry’s Passenger Assist scheme. This offers support for boarding, alighting, navigating stations and handling luggage.