- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leicester to Margate
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Margate 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 3h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £87.
Distance: 222 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £87 Average Price | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Margate is a coach with an average price of £18.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Margate:
A coach is £69 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Margate costing on average £87.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 3h 8m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 16m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Margate 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 £18 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £32. The journey takes 6h 16m versus 3h 29m 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 Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Margate coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:45 Leicester | 6h40 | 0:25 Margate | 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 Margate 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 Margate coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Leicester to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Margate.
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 Margate.
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 Margate.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Margate run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:40, the last at 22:06. The fastest coach covers the 222 km distance in 7h 0m.
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
Distance 222 km |
Average bus duration 6h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 3:40 |
Last bus 22:06 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 7 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
Bus providers: National Express from Leicester to MargateYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Margate with National Express for as low as £18. 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
7h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£18
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 Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach operates most local buses in Margate, including the Loop linking Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses.
- If you plan several bus journeys in Thanet, a DayRider may be better value than separate single fares. Buy tickets on board or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Leicester to Margate coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Leicester to Margate can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Margate is £18; 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 Margate is 7h 0m to travel the 222 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 Margate leaves at 3:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Margate leaves at 22:06.
There are 10 coaches a day from Leicester to Margate 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 Margate, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Margate. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Margate and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Margate from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Leicester to Margate is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Margate including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to Margate:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Margate for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester to Margate 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 Margate.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Margate:
- 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 Margate:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Leicester to Margate.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to Margate with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Margate with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Margate with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Margate
Most Leicester to Margate buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Margate 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 Margate
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 Margate station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Cliftonville, Northdown RoadNorthdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cliftonville, Northdown Road from Margate city centre
Cliftonville, Northdown Road is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8A, 960 · 14m · £3 · every ~5 min
Cliftonville, Northdown Road bus station facilities and services
Cliftonville, Northdown Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road. ATMs are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Leicester
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