- 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.
Cheapest price
£85
Average price
£162
Fastest journey
4 h 28 m
Average duration
4 h 29 m
Trains per day
40
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester will cost around £162 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
To travel from Edinburgh to Leicester you need to make at least 2 changes.
C02070 · L01640+
G00988
C01988+
G00988
C02066+
G00990
G80061 · C01918+
G00974
G80049 · L01631+
G00969
G80061+
G01186+
C21666
G08186+
G01184+
W70799
G80067+
W70818+
W29937
G80080+
G66824+
W70826
G08175+
G01180+
C21659Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 392 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£82 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £36 Average Price |
5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W29862+ W70784 | 6:02 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h01 | 11:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02042+ G00960 | 6:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 11:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W34265+ G66627+ C17837 | 6:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 11:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G08175+ G01180+ C21659 | 7:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h30 | 11:30 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
W29868+ C21654 | 7:03 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 12:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02002+ W84673+ W70793 | 7:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 12:30 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G08180 · L01628+ G00964 | 8:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 12:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
W29873+ W70799 | 8:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h20 | 13:28 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02015+ G00966 | 8:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 13:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W33933+ G00793+ C17806 | 8:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 13:52 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G08186+ G01184+ W70799 | 9:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h28 | 13:28 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01148+ W70802 | 9:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 14:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02006+ W84686+ W70804 | 9:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 14:30 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
C02006+ G00969 | 9:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 14:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
G80049 · L01631+ G00969 | 10:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 14:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
W29884+ C21655 | 10:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 15:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W85787+ C01942+ G00973 | 10:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h41 | 15:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
W34060+ G66640+ C18008 | 10:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 15:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01153+ W70812 | 11:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 16:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02029+ G00974 | 11:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 16:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
G80061+ G01186+ C21666 | 12:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h28 | 16:28 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G80061 · C01918+ G00974 | 12:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 16:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01154+ W70816 | 12:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 17:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W85790+ C02007+ G00977 | 12:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h41 | 17:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G80067+ W29937+ W70818 | 13:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h29 | 17:29 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01161+ C21656 | 13:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h26 | 18:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02014+ G00982 | 13:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 18:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
G80073 · L01636+ G00982 | 14:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 18:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G80073+ G01188+ C21656 | 14:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h31 | 18:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
W29909+ W70825 | 14:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 19:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02046+ G00984 | 14:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 19:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W00587+ G66652+ C17876 | 14:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 19:50 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G80080+ G66824+ W70826 | 15:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h29 | 19:29 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01166+ W70829 | 15:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 20:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C01988+ W84720+ W70832 | 15:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h01 | 20:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
C01988+ G00988 | 15:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 20:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02070 · L01640+ G00988 | 16:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 20:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
G01169+ W70834 | 16:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 21:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
C02066+ G00990 | 16:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 21:49 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
W34268+ G00795+ C18005 | 16:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 21:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 392 km distance in 4h 49m.
Distance 392 km |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 0:25 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
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 is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Leicester trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket 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 Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
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 options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
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.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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