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Trip Summary
You can pick from 28 daily train trips between London and Leicester. The average train journey from London to Leicester takes 3 hours and 19 minutes, but some East Midlands Trains train trips are as short as 2 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 89 mi (143 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 30m |
| Lowest price | $46.67 |
| Most frequent service | Thameslink + Connections |
| Train lines | 5 |
Which train should you take from London to Leicester?
There are 5 train lines with service from London to Leicester. Thameslink + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast + Connections | 1 | 2h 32m | $113.99 |
| East Midlands Trains | 5 | 2h 41m | $46.67 |
| London Overground + Connections | 5 | 3h 36m | $52.05 |
| Southeastern + Connections | 7 | 3h 44m | $70.88 |
| Thameslink + Connections | 10 | 2h 51m | $57.89 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
East Midlands Trains train tickets from London to Leicester start from $47, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 East Midlands Trains schedules to Leicester. East Midlands Trains in London leaves from St Pancras Intl . And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From London to Leicester train travel on East Midlands Trains takes 2 hours and 41 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, East Midlands Trains offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, East Midlands Trains offers 5 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Leicester.
London Overground + Connections train tickets from London to Leicester start from $52, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 London Overground + Connections schedules to Leicester. London Overground + Connections in London leaves from Penge West . And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From London to Leicester train travel on London Overground + Connections takes 3 hours and 36 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, London Overground + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, London Overground + Connections offers 5 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Leicester.
Southeastern is a rail franchise that operates passenger train services between central London and southeast England. The company's fleet of over 300 trains stops at 180 stations across London, Kent, and East Sussex, and standard and first-class fares are available. First-class passengers enjoy dedicated areas, larger seats, more legroom, and a quieter travel experience. Onboard restrooms are available for all passengers.
Thameslink + Connections train tickets from London to Leicester start from $48, and on average cost . Daily there are 10 Thameslink + Connections schedules to Leicester. Thameslink + Connections in London leaves from West Hampstead Thameslink and one other station. And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From London to Leicester train travel on Thameslink + Connections takes 2 hours and 51 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, Thameslink + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Thameslink + Connections offers 10 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Leicester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from London to Leicester. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs London at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 28 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Leicester to London.
City Information
London
One of the most important cities in the world, London is where the traditional blends seamlessly with the modern. As a vibrant modern city, London has something for everyone. For visitors interested in the Royal Family as well as their history, check out Buckingham Palace. The palace is open all days in summer, but only on selected days in winter. The Tower of London, where the crown jewels are put on exhibition, is also a great spot to check out. For fans of history, you might not want to miss out on the famous British Museum, considered by many to be the best museum in all of London. The museum currently carries an impressive collection of 8 million historic objects from all around the world, making it an eye-opening destination for many.
London’s food scene reflects its multiculturalism. Here you can find restaurants serving cuisines from various countries around the world, from India to Malaysia. If you opt for a lavish dining experience, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, run by the famous chef himself, will be a great choice. Also don’t forget to stop by at a local pub and enjoy the beer like a true Londoner.
The city’s centers of intercity rail services are King’s Cross Station and Euston Station, from which you can take a train to other places in the UK or hop on the Eurostar train to Paris and beyond. The largest coach station in the city is Victoria Coach Station, serving big local carriers like National Express. The city’s air services are fulfilled by eight airports, of which London Heathrow Airport, located west of the city, is the busiest one.
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor center built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavors, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express buses. If you're traveling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where is the train station in London?
Main departure station: St. Pancras Bus
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in London where you can board the train.
All train stations in London:
St. Pancras Bus
Penge West
Catford Bridge Station
West Hampstead Thameslink Station
London Euston
Where is the train station in Leicester?
Image credit: Steve Knight
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Leicester Train Station
Opened in 1840, Leicester Train Station is recognizable by its corner clocktower on London Road above the main entrance. As the city's primary rail station, it receives regular CrossCountry trains to Birmingham and East Midlands Railway services to Sheffield and London. Passengers access platforms via over-track footbridges from the main concourse, which has amenities including several restaurants and public restrooms. Passengers can await their train's arrival in the large waiting room. Local buses stop at stands outside the main entrance to connect with the rest of Leicester.
Train stations in Leicester:
Leicester Train Station
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