- 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 Doncaster to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 3 m
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
98 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Doncaster to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Doncaster to Leicester will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Doncaster to Leicester, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 98 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 31 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.
7:211h42Doncaster9:03Leicester£171One-way0 changes
8:521h57Doncaster10:49Leicester£331One-way0 changes- 8:182h31Doncaster10:49Leicester£351One-way0 changes
- 7:211h42Doncaster9:03Leicester£171One-way0 changes
- 8:521h57Doncaster10:49Leicester£331One-way0 changes
- 8:182h31Doncaster10:49Leicester£351One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Doncaster to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Doncaster to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Doncaster to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Doncaster to Leicester:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Doncaster to Leicester costing on average £52.
The fastest way to travel from Doncaster to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 33m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Doncaster and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-32.84. The journey takes 1h 33m versus 1h 26m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Doncaster to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Doncaster to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:21 Doncaster | 1h42 | 9:03 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:18 Doncaster | 2h31 | 10:49 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:52 Doncaster | 1h57 | 10:49 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Doncaster to Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and 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
Sat
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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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Doncaster to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, Hull Trains and more offer trains services from Doncaster to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Doncaster 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 CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country or Hull Trains to find the best option for your trip from Doncaster 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Doncaster 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 CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country or Hull Trains to find the best option for your trip from Doncaster to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Doncaster to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Doncaster to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Doncaster to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 01:49, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £19
Distance 98 km |
Average train duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 20m |
First train 1:49 |
Last train 22:08 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 £19
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, Hull Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Doncaster to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, Hull Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Doncaster and Leicester from £19. 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
1h 42m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£16
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
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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£21
CrossCountry frequency
2 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 Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Price
£96
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
13 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£54
Cross Country frequency
11 a day
Hull Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Hull Trains Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Hull Trains Price
£86
Hull Trains frequency
3 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£49
TransPennine Express frequency
3 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£33
Northern Trains Limited 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: Doncaster to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Doncaster 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 Doncaster to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Doncaster to Leicester covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 42m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Doncaster to Leicester is 98 km.
The first train from Doncaster to Leicester leaves at 1:49.
The last train from Doncaster to Leicester departs at 22:08.
Trains from Doncaster to Leicester run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Doncaster to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Doncaster to Leicester.
To get from Doncaster to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Doncaster to Leicester.
The train station in Doncaster that goes to Leicester is Doncaster station (DON), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Doncaster to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Doncaster 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 Doncaster to Leicester offers views of the English countryside, passing through rolling hills and picturesque villages, making it a pleasant and scenic trip.
Yes, a day trip from Doncaster to Leicester is possible. The journey takes 1h 42m, covering a distance of 98 km, with a frequency of 4 trains 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 Doncaster to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Doncaster and Leicester
Most Doncaster to Leicester trains use the Doncaster to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Doncaster and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Doncaster
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Doncaster station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Doncaster to Leicester leave from Doncaster. The station is from Doncaster city centre at Doncaster station, Station Court, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1PE.
DoncasterDoncaster station, Station Court, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1PE
City-centre transport
Getting to Doncaster from Doncaster city centre
Bus399 · 3m · £4
384, 387, 388, 384A, 385A, 387A · 5m · every ~18 min
Doncaster train station facilities and services
Doncaster 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 Doncaster.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Doncaster. ATMs are available at Doncaster.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Doncaster.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Doncaster: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Doncaster: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Doncaster: 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 public telephones: Phones are low level but not text, Accessible taxis: Advance booking not required, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: , Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Leicester station do trains from Doncaster arrive at?
Trains from Doncaster 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 Doncaster
More options for your journey from Doncaster to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Doncaster
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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