- 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 Folkestone to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£68
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£68
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 h 39 m
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
235 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Folkestone to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Folkestone to Leicester will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Folkestone to Leicester, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 235 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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.
17:012h39Folkestone19:40Leicester£681One-way0 changes
- 17:012h39Folkestone19:40Leicester£681One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Folkestone to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Folkestone to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 235 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £49 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Folkestone to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £21.
This is compared to other travel options from Folkestone to Leicester:
A coach is £34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Folkestone to Leicester costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Folkestone to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 59m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 46m.
Yes, you can take a train between Folkestone and Leicester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 23m sooner (1h 59m by train vs 3h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £54 compared to roughly £49 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.
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.
Live departures
Folkestone to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Folkestone to Leicester trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:01 Folkestone | 2h35 | 20:36 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Folkestone 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.
Wed
23 Sept
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29 Sept
Why should you book Folkestone to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway operates all trains services from Folkestone to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Folkestone to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- 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 Folkestone to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Folkestone to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:47, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 235 km distance in 1h 57m.
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 235 km |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 4:47 |
Last train 22:14 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 £19
Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Folkestone to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Folkestone 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 57m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£50
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 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
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: Folkestone to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Folkestone 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 Folkestone to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Folkestone to Leicester covers a distance of 235 km and takes approximately 1h 57m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Folkestone to Leicester is 235 km.
The first train from Folkestone to Leicester leaves at 4:47.
The last train from Folkestone to Leicester departs at 22:14.
Trains from Folkestone to Leicester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Folkestone to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Folkestone to Leicester.
To travel from Folkestone to Leicester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Folkestone to Leicester.
The train station in Folkestone that goes to Leicester is Folkestone West (FKW), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Folkestone to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Folkestone 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 Folkestone to Leicester offers a mix of scenic views, with stretches showcasing the picturesque Kent countryside, rolling hills, and charming villages, although some parts pass through urban and industrial areas.
A day trip from Folkestone to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 57m. The distance is 235 km, and there are 5 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 Folkestone to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Folkestone and Leicester
Most Folkestone to Leicester trains use the Folkestone West to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Folkestone
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Folkestone station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Folkestone to Leicester leave from Folkestone West. The station is 2 km from Folkestone city centre at Folkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA.
Folkestone WestFolkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Folkestone West from Folkestone city centre
Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRamsgate - St Pancras International, Faversham - St Pancras International, Margate - Ashford International, Ramsgate - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - London Charing Cross, Ramsgate - Ashford International, Dover Priory - Ashford International, Folkestone Central - London Victoria, Dover Priory - London Cannon Street, Faversham - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - St Pancras International, Sandwich - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - London Charing Cross, Folkestone Central - Ashford International, Dover Priory - London Bridge, Ramsgate - London Bridge, Faversham - London Bridge, Dover Priory - Tonbridge, Deal - St Pancras International, Deal - Ashford International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus10, 17, 71, 71A · 4m · £3 · every ~21 min
Folkestone West train station facilities and services
Folkestone West has practical services for this route, including 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 Folkestone West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Folkestone West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step Free access to Platform 1 via main entrance off Shorncliffe Road. Step free access to platform 2 via side entrance off Station Road. Step access between platforms via station subway. Step free Interchange between platforms via steep roads is in excess of 500 metres, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: by entrance to platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Leicester station do trains from Folkestone arrive at?
Trains from Folkestone 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 Folkestone
More options for your journey from Folkestone to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Folkestone
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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