- 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 Darlington to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£44
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
211 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Darlington to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Leicester will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Darlington for Leicester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 211 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 33 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.
8:062h25Darlington10:31Leicester£331One-way0 changes
7:582h33Darlington10:31Leicester£551One-way0 changes
- 8:062h25Darlington10:31Leicester£331One-way0 changes
- 7:582h33Darlington10:31Leicester£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Darlington to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 211 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Darlington to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:58 Darlington | 2h33 | 10:31 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:06 Darlington | 2h25 | 10:31 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington 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.
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
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23 Aug
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24 Aug
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27 Aug
Why should you book Darlington to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Darlington to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Darlington 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 London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington 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 Darlington to Leicester.
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 Darlington to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:08, the last at 22:06. The fastest train covers the 211 km distance in 2h 52m.
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 £21
Distance 211 km |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:08 |
Last train 22:06 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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 £21
Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express from Darlington to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Darlington and Leicester from £21. 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
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
£67
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
£55
London North Eastern Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Price
£116
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
9 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
£131
Cross Country frequency
13 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
£70
TransPennine Express frequency
2 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: Darlington to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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 Darlington to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Darlington to Leicester covers a distance of 211 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Darlington to Leicester is 211 km.
The first train from Darlington to Leicester leaves at 5:08.
The last train from Darlington to Leicester departs at 22:06.
Trains from Darlington to Leicester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Leicester.
To get from Darlington to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Leicester.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Leicester is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Darlington 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 Darlington to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. While it may not be renowned specifically for its scenic views, passengers can enjoy glimpses of the English countryside, with rolling hills and quaint villages, particularly between major urban areas.
A day trip from Darlington to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 52m. However, there are 6 train services available per day. The distance is 211 km.
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 Darlington to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Leicester
Most Darlington to Leicester trains use the Darlington to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Darlington
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Darlington station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Darlington to Leicester leave from Darlington. The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including 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 Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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.
North RoadNorth Road (Darlington) station, Station Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6ST
City-centre transport
Getting to North Road from Darlington city centre
North Road is 1 km from Darlington city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainDarlington - Bishop Auckland, Saltburn - Bishop Auckland · 3m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
North Road train station facilities and services
North Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at North Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at North Road: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at North Road: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at North Road: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Station is unstaffed there are 2 entrances to the staton, one is via steep steps 11 in total, the other is via a stepped ramps and about 40-50 metres in length, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Leicester station do trains from Darlington arrive at?
Trains from Darlington 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.
Most popular train connections from Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Darlington
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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