- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ashford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 142 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ashford to Leicester:
A coach is £40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ashford to Leicester costing on average £58.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 0m.
Tickets start at around £18 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £26. The journey takes 3h 0m versus 2h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Ashford to Leicester run on average 41 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 41 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 142 km distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 142 km |
Average bus duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 41 |
Direct buses 41 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ashford to Leicester by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ashford to Leicester buses use the London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Ashford and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need