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Trip Summary
There are 8 daily trains from Edinburgh to Leicester. Traveling by train from Edinburgh to Leicester usually takes around 5 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest London North Eastern Railway + Connections train can make the trip in 4 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 244 mi (392 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 25m |
| Lowest price | €68.09 |
| Most frequent service | London North Eastern Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Leicester?
There are 3 train lines with service from Edinburgh to Leicester. London North Eastern Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 5h 12m | €179.06 |
| London North Eastern Railway + Connections | 4 | 6h 5m | €137.22 |
| Virgin Trains + Connections | 1 | 5h 11m | €68.09 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester start from €169, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Leicester. CrossCountry + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From Edinburgh to Leicester train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 5 hours and 12 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 25 minutes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
Virgin Trains + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester start from €68, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Virgin Trains + Connections schedules to Leicester. Virgin Trains + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From Edinburgh to Leicester train travel on Virgin Trains + Connections takes 5 hours and 11 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, Virgin Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Edinburgh and Leicester is approximately 244 miles, or 392 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Edinburgh at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 8 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 Edinburgh.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
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 centre 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 endeavours, 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 coaches. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
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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