- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Seafront gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and dramatic views over Porthmeor Beach.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to St Ives
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£34
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
13 h
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
13 h 5 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
405 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leicester to St Ives is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to St Ives will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Leicester to St Ives, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 405 km distance in an average of 13 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h .
The slowest buses will take 13 h 10 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.
10:4013h00Leicester23:40St Ives£321One-way0 changes- 19:4513h10Leicester8:55St Ives£351One-way0 changes
- 10:4013h00Leicester23:40St Ives£321One-way0 changes
- 19:4513h10Leicester8:55St Ives£351One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Leicester to St Ives
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a flight costs an average of £332.
Distance: 405 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £90 Average Price | £332 Average Price | £79 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 55m Average total duration 10h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration Fastest 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to St Ives is a coach with an average price of £26.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to St Ives:
A coach is £64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to St Ives costing on average £90.
A coach is £306 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leicester to St Ives costing on average £332.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to St Ives is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 25m.
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 26m.
Coach takes on average 10h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leicester and St Ives including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £26 compared to roughly £79 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £53. The journey takes 10h 25m versus 5h 21m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to St Ives by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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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18 Sept
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Why should you book Leicester to St Ives coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Leicester to St Ives.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to St Ives.
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to St Ives.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to St Ives.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to St Ives
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to St Ives run on average 10 times per day, taking around 10h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:25, the last at 22:20. The fastest coach covers the 405 km distance in 12h 20m.
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 405 km |
Average bus duration 10h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 12h 20m |
First bus 4:25 |
Last bus 22:20 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 St IvesYou can travel by bus between Leicester to St Ives 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
14h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£50
National Express frequency
5 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 St Ives
Things to do in St Ives
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
- Must visit
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Former artists’ studio and home of Barbara Hepworth, featuring sculptures displayed in the garden and preserved rooms.
- Recommended
St Ives Museum
Local museum covering fishing, mining, art and maritime life, with varied exhibits that explain St Ives past.
- Must visit
St Ives Harbour
Compact harbour area with beaches, boats, galleries and winding lanes; ideal for soaking up the town’s atmosphere.
- Must visit
Porthmeor Beach
Sheltered beach and promenade beneath Tate St Ives, loved for surfing, sunsets and easy access to the coast path.
- Recommended
The Island
Headland path and grassy viewpoint above the beaches, popular for sea views, picnics and watching the sunset.
Cornish Pasty
Cornish pasty is a baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known portable meal and strongly tied to local mining history.
Stargazy Pie
Stargazy pie is a traditional Cornish fish pie, usually with pilchards baked under pastry with the fish heads showing. It is a famous local winter speciality.
- Gluten-free
Cornish Sardines
Cornish sardines, often called pilchards locally, are a signature catch of Cornwall. They are prized for their freshness and long fishing heritage.
St Ives Bakery
Popular traditional bakery for Cornish pasties, pies and sweet treats. A dependable stop for classic local food in casual surroundings.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish. Relaxed modern setting with strong views over St Ives harbour.
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, focused on local catch, oysters and crab. Smart but approachable atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
St Ives is pricier than many UK seaside towns, especially in summer. Hotels, seafood meals and parking add up, though buses and simple cafés can keep costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, pasties or a simple café 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 or flat white.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and spare change is fine in cafés.
FAQs: Leicester to St Ives coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Leicester to St Ives can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to St Ives is £26; 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 St Ives is 12h 20m to travel the 405 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 St Ives leaves at 4:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to St Ives leaves at 22:20.
There are 10 coaches a day from Leicester to St Ives 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 St Ives, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to St Ives. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and St Ives and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to St Ives from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Leicester to St Ives is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leicester and St Ives including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to St Ives:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to St Ives for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester to St Ives 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 St Ives.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to St Ives:
- 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 St Ives:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Leicester to St Ives.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and St Ives
Most Leicester to St Ives buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Penzance, Station Road station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and St Ives 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 St Ives
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, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to St Ives
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from St Ives and Leicester
Most popular bus connections
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