- 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 Cambridge to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 20 Aug
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£22
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
98 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Leicester will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cambridge for Leicester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 98 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 52 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.
5:151h50Cambridge7:05Leicester£181One-way0 changes- 9:001h49Cambridge10:49Leicester£201One-way0 changes
- 10:001h49Cambridge11:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
- 11:001h49Cambridge12:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
- 5:571h52Cambridge7:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
- 11:001h49Cambridge12:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
- 10:001h49Cambridge11:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
- 9:001h49Cambridge10:49Leicester£201One-way0 changes
- 5:151h50Cambridge7:05Leicester£181One-way0 changes
- 5:571h52Cambridge7:49Leicester£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cambridge to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 40m Average total duration 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cambridge to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Leicester trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G00966 | On time 12:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 13:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00969 | On time 13:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 14:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00973 | On time 14:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 15:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00974 | On time 15:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 16:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00977 | On time 16:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 17:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00982 | On time 17:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 18:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00984 | On time 18:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 19:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 20 August | |||||
| 5:15 Cambridge | 1h50 | 7:05 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 5:57 Cambridge | 1h52 | 7:49 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Leicester 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.
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Why should you book Cambridge to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Cambridge to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Thameslink or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Thameslink or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cambridge to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 49m.
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
Coach from £11
Distance 98 km |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 4:37 |
Last train 23:25 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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
Coach from £11
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Cross Country from Cambridge to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Cross Country trains will get you between Cambridge and Leicester from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
£13
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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 Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Price
£37
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
£42
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Price
£81
Cross Country frequency
12 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: Cambridge to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Cambridge to Leicester covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 49m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cambridge to Leicester is 98 km.
The first train from Cambridge to Leicester leaves at 4:37.
The last train from Cambridge to Leicester departs at 23:25.
Trains from Cambridge to Leicester run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cambridge to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cambridge and Leicester. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Cambridge to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cambridge to Leicester.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Leicester is Cambridge station (CBG), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Leicester offers views of the English countryside, passing through rural landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites, providing a pleasant, though not particularly dramatic, scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Cambridge to Leicester is feasible with a travel time of 1h 49m and a distance of 98 km. Trains run frequently, with 7 trips 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 Cambridge to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Leicester
Most Cambridge to Leicester trains use the Cambridge to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Cambridge station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Cambridge to Leicester leave from Cambridge. The station is 2 km from Cambridge city centre at Cambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW.
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · £2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
Cambridge NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · £2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · £2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · £2 · every ~19 min
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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.
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
Which Leicester station do trains from Cambridge arrive at?
Trains from Cambridge to Leicester most often arrive at Leicester. Some services arrive at Syston, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leicester arrival station.
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.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Cambridge
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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