- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ashford to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 4 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
216 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ashford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ashford to Leicester will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Ashford to Leicester, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 216 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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.
9:412h04Ashford11:45Leicester£311One-way0 changes
- 9:412h04Ashford11:45Leicester£311One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Ashford to Leicester
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 train, with an average ticket price of £85 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £85, while a train costs an average of £85.
Distance: 216 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£85 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ashford to Leicester is a train with an average price of £85.
The fastest way to travel from Ashford to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 50m.
Yes, you can take a train between Ashford and Leicester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 21m sooner (1h 50m by train vs 3h 11m by car). Tickets start at around £85 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Ashford to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Ashford to Leicester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:19 Ashford | 2h16 | 11:35 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ashford to Leicester by train
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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Ashford to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Ashford to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ashford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Ashford to Leicester.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ashford to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ashford to Leicester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £85 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:47, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 216 km distance in 1h 46m.
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 216 km |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £85 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 46m |
First train 4:47 |
Last train 22:40 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 6 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
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Southeastern from Ashford to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Southeastern trains will get you between Ashford and Leicester from £85. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£123
East Midlands Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Southeastern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£85
Southeastern frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
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
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
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
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Leicester Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless tap-on and tap-off with fare capping is being introduced across Leicester buses; check the operator or Leicester Buses site for current rollout details.
- Leicester Buses Flexi tickets are valid across participating operators in the Flexi area and can be bought in participating operators’ ticketing apps.
FAQs: Ashford to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ashford to Leicester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ashford to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £85, while the average price tends to be around £85.
The train journey from Ashford to Leicester covers a distance of 216 km and takes approximately 1h 46m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Ashford to Leicester is 216 km.
The first train from Ashford to Leicester leaves at 4:47.
The last train from Ashford to Leicester departs at 22:40.
Trains from Ashford to Leicester run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Ashford to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ashford to Leicester.
To travel from Ashford to Leicester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Ashford to Leicester.
The train station in Ashford that goes to Leicester is Ashford International (AFK), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Ashford to Leicester is by train, costing approximately £85.
Booking trains from Ashford to Leicester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ashford to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Kent countryside, rolling fields, and small towns along the way, but it is not renowned for being particularly scenic compared to other routes in the UK.
A day trip from Ashford to Leicester is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 46m. However, trains run 6 times per day.
Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Ashford to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ashford and Leicester
Most Ashford to Leicester trains use the Ashford International to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Ashford and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ashford
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Ashford station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Ashford to Leicester leave from Ashford International. The station is from Ashford city centre at Ashford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ.
Ashford InternationalAshford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Ashford International from Ashford city centre
Bus501, 502E, 502, 507, 501E · 2m · £3 · every ~21 min
Ashford International train station facilities and services
Ashford International has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ashford International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Ashford International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ashford International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ashford International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ashford International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ashford International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: These are located in the booking hall on the domestic side of the station. They are also located in the subway adjacent to the gateline on the international side of the station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Leicester station do trains from Ashford arrive at?
Trains from Ashford to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Ashford to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Ashford
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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