- 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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Travel Information
Compare train for Ely to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ely to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £81 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £81, while a train costs an average of £81.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£81 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m 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 Ely to Leicester is a train with an average price of £81.
The fastest way to travel from Ely to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 34m.
Yes, you can take a train between Ely and Leicester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 14m sooner (1h 34m by train vs 1h 48m by car). Tickets start at around £81 compared to roughly £20 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.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Ely 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.
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Why should you book Ely to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Ely to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ely 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 Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Ely 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 Ely to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ely to Leicester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £81 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 31m.
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 98 km |
Average train duration 1h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £81 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 31m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 21:19 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Ely to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Ely and Leicester from £81. 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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 34m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£12
CrossCountry frequency
7 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 31m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£81
Cross Country frequency
16 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: Ely to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ely 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 Ely to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £81, while the average price tends to be around £81.
The train journey from Ely to Leicester covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 31m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Ely to Leicester is 98 km.
The first train from Ely to Leicester leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Ely to Leicester departs at 21:19.
Trains from Ely to Leicester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ely to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Ely and Leicester. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To travel from Ely to Leicester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Ely to Leicester.
The train station in Ely that goes to Leicester is Ely station (ELY), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Ely to Leicester is by train, costing approximately £81.
Booking trains from Ely to Leicester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The Ely to Leicester train route offers a pleasant journey with views of the English countryside, passing through charming villages and open fields. While not renowned for dramatic landscapes, it provides a relaxing and picturesque travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from Ely to Leicester is feasible with a journey taking 1h 31m. Trains run 4 times per day, covering a distance of 98 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 Ely to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ely and Leicester
Most Ely to Leicester trains use the Ely to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Ely and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ely
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Ely station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Ely to Leicester leave from Ely. The station is 1 km from Ely city centre at Ely station, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4BS.
ElyEly station, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4BS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ely from Ely city centre
Bus112 · 9m · £4 · every ~3 min
Ely train station facilities and services
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: 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 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Ely arrive at?
Trains from Ely 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 Ely to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Ely
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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