London to Leicester bus with National Express

Coaches from London to Leicester

A bus travelling from London to Leicester covers approximately 89 miles (143 km) to connect the two cities. In most cases, this route is serviced by fast, affordable and direct coach services. On average, the journey from London to Leicester takes about 2h 20min and there are about 136 buses that service this route daily. Some of these buses usually run a direct route, while others have stopovers.

London to Leicester Bus Time: Daily Departures

There’s generally a bus ready to take you from London to Leicester every hour on this route. For instance, if you have an early meeting you need to run in Leicester, you’re better off taking the first bus from London to Leicester, which departs as early as 06:30. This continues until around 23:59, when the last bus leaves London for Leicester. However, the first bus on Sundays leaves London at around 02:00 and arrives in Leicester at around 04:20.

How long is the journey by bus from London to Leicester?

The journey time from London to Leicester varies a lot, especially if you’re travelling by bus. The average travel time from London to Leicester is approximately 2h 20min. Additionally, the shortest journey time between the two cities is approximately 1h 50min. On the other hand, slow buses will take about 3h 35min to complete the journey. These buses usually involve multiple stops between London and Leicester, including London Finchley Road, London Marble Arch, Marylebone, Golders Green or Milton Keynes Coachway.

Bridge at dusk in London. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from London to Leicester?

Departure coach station: London Victoria Coach Station is served by the District Line, the Circle Line and the Victoria Line. There is a taxi rank and bus stop just outside the bus station, on Eccleston Place. Facilities at the London Victoria Coach Station include power points, payphones, cashpoints, toilet facilities, eateries, newsagents and waiting facilities. You can always enjoy your cup of coffee while reading our online travel magazine, too.

Arrival coach station: The coaches travelling from London to Leicester usually arrive at St. Margaret’s Bus Station, located in the city centre, on Gravel Street. The St. Margaret Bus Station has several facilities, including shops, cafes, restaurants, ticket offices, toilets and waiting areas. It’s important to note that it has great transport links, including rail routes, bus routes and a taxi rank located just outside the station, which makes further travel much easier.

Which coach companies travel from London to Leicester?

There are several coach companies that service the London to Leicester route, including National Express, Flixbus, Infobus and Megabus. Therefore, before booking your ticket, it’s important that you compare the four coach companies and find out the amenities they offer. Additionally, these coach companies usually charge varying prices for their tickets. If you’re looking for the best deal possible, you need to compare the ticket prices before booking your seat. This way, you’ll be able to save some money for your trip. It’s also important to note that some coach companies only offer direct services from London to Leicester.

National Express coaches from London to Leicester

There is no denying that National Express is a leading long-distance coach provider in the United Kingdom. National Express operates over 550 buses every day and serves over 900 destinations all over the country. An advantage of choosing National Express for your journey from London to Leicester is that its coaches are equipped with great amenities, such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment and power points for your phone or laptop.

Megabus coaches from London to Leicester

Megabus runs about 18 trips from London to Leicester every day. The first bus departs from London at around 06:30, and the last one generally leaves just before midnight. The fastest bus by this company connects the two cities in a little over an hour. All the buses come with free Wi-Fi, power points and a free 44 lb (20 kg) luggage allowance.

Flixbus coaches from London to Leicester

Flixbus is undoubtedly one of the most affordable providers that service this route. Flixbus operates both direct and indirect buses for this route, and they all come with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, one hand luggage and one hold luggage allowance and power points. The company also operates night buses along this route, and it’s important to note that it only offers standard tickets.

Infobus coaches from London to Leicester

When travelling from London to Leicester, you also have the option of booking Infobus buses. These buses only offer standard tickets, but they’re comfortable, especially for relatively long trips. Inside these buses, you’ll find standard seating, toilets, power points and free Wi-Fi. You can also book your ticket from London to Leicester about three days in advance to save some money. This company operates both direct and indirect buses for this route.

Coach from London to Leicester: Services on Board

Before booking your bus ticket from London to Leicester, you need to understand that different buses offer different services on board. Most of the buses that service this route come with free Wi-Fi, so you can keep communicating with your family and friends. Additionally, some buses also have air-conditioning systems, to provide ventilation; power points, to charge your phone or laptop; and onboard entertainment. However, it’s very important to note that the coaches that service this route do not have first- or second-class seating. Additionally, due to limited space, these coaches tend to have strict luggage policies. You’re allowed to travel with an item that doesn’t exceed 44 lb (20 kg) in weight. If you want to travel with extra luggage, you’ll have to pay for an increased luggage allowance. All the coach companies that service this route have a strict ‘no pets’ policy.

How to find cheap bus tickets from London to Leicester

A good way to get cheap coach tickets from London to Leicester is to book at least seven days before your actual travelling date. This way, you’ll be able to find the best ticket prices from the various coach companies available. Fortunately, coach tickets from London to Leicester are usually made available to the public several months in advance. Another great way you can get cheap coach tickets from London to Leicester is by getting a season ticket. This will save you a lot of money, especially if you travel along this route regularly. You can also get cheaper coach tickets for this route if you opt for a connecting coach. While this means that your journey will take longer, you’ll end up saving a few coins in the process. This approach is quite convenient when you’re not in a hurry to reach your destination.

Coaches from London to Leicester: Leicester cathedral. Source: Shutterstock

To Leicester by bus—travel tips

Leicester is a unique city and undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom. A unique feature of the city is that it combines the finest English traditions with the buzz of modern city life and multicultural activities. Leicester is widely renowned for its award-winning venues, live music, events, festivals, museums, galleries, 2,000 years worth of heritage to discover, areas of natural beauty and a shopping core like no other. The city boasts an 800-year-old market, which is one of the oldest in Europe, plus there’s great boutiques, arcades and many eateries and shops. If you love sports, then you’ll be glad to learn that Leicester has been named UK’s greatest sporting city in the past. When you’re in the city, consider catching a football match at King Power Stadium, which is the home to Leicester City, 2016 Premier League champions.