- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Ipswich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Sept
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£51
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
5 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
6 h 30 m
Buses on 10 Sept
2
Distance
168 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leicester to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Ipswich will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £45.
Fast coaches
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 2 buses from Leicester to Ipswich, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
18:007h20Leicester1:20Ipswich£451One-way0 changes- 6:255h40Leicester12:05Ipswich£571One-way0 changes
- 6:255h40Leicester12:05Ipswich£571One-way0 changes
- 18:007h20Leicester1:20Ipswich£451One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leicester to Ipswich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £38, while a coach costs an average of £54.
Distance: 168 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Ipswich is a train with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Ipswich:
A train is £15 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Leicester to Ipswich costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Ipswich including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £54 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-20.81. The journey takes 4h 48m versus 2h 35m 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.
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.
Live departures
Leicester to Ipswich bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Ipswich coaches for today, Wednesday 9 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:55 Leicester | 5h55 | 1:50 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 10 September | |||||
| 6:25 Leicester | 5h40 | 12:05 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:00 Leicester | 7h20 | 1:20 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Ipswich by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Why should you book Leicester to Ipswich coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Leicester to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Ipswich.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Ipswich.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Ipswich.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Ipswich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Ipswich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £38 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 168 km distance in 6h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £38
Distance 168 km |
Average bus duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 5m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £38
Bus providers: National Express from Leicester to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Ipswich with National Express for as low as £38. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£54
National Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Ipswich
Things to do in Ipswich
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
- Must visit
Christchurch Mansion
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
- Recommended
The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
- Must visit
Ipswich Waterfront
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
- Must visit
Christchurch Park
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
- Recommended
Cornhill
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
Suffolk Sausage
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
- Gluten-free
Suffolk Ham
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Herring
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Melekzade
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Indian Knight
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
The Last Anchor
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Ipswich Buses App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.40
To the city centre
Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Ipswich -> Tower Ramparts Bus Station, Ipswich
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on board Ipswich Buses for single, transfer, return, day and family tickets.
- Town fares apply within the Ipswich town zone; adult Town Single is £2.30 and Town Day is £4.40.
FAQs: Leicester to Ipswich coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Leicester to Ipswich can start from as little as £54 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Ipswich is £54; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Leicester to Ipswich is 6h 5m to travel the 168 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Leicester to Ipswich leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Ipswich leaves at 23:45.
There are 8 coaches a day from Leicester to Ipswich which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Leicester to Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Ipswich from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Leicester to Ipswich is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Ipswich including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to Ipswich:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Ipswich for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester to Ipswich depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Leicester to Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Ipswich:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Ipswich:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Leicester to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Ipswich
Most Leicester to Ipswich buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Ipswich bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Ipswich
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · £2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · £2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · £2 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
Which Ipswich station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Ipswich most often arrive at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Some services arrive at Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Ipswich arrival station.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre
TRUE
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Ipswich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ipswich and Leicester
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