Leicester to Bradford train with East Midlands Railway

Wed 23 Sept
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CrossCountry
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Bradford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£26

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£57

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

2 h 22 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

2 h 29 m

Trains on 23 Sept

8

Distance

135 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Bradford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leicester to Bradford will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

To travel from Leicester to Bradford you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • CrossCountryG01060+East Midlands RailwayC21769+Northern RailC32917
    9:092h28
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:37Bradford Forster Square (BDQ)
    £261One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayC21848+CrossCountryG66982+Northern RailC32891
    5:482h49
    Leicester station (LEI)
    8:37Bradford Forster Square (BDQ)
    £261One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayW70945+CrossCountryG66987+Northern RailL89551
    8:092h39
    Leicester station (LEI)
    10:48Bradford Interchange (BDI)
    £261One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayW70948+Northern RailG89457 · G88969
    8:382h38
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:16Bradford Interchange (BDI)
    £751One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayC21848+CrossCountryG66982+Northern RailG89202
    5:482h44
    Leicester station (LEI)
    8:32Bradford Interchange (BDI)
    £751One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Leicester to Bradford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 48m. 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 £13, while a train costs an average of £54.

Distance: 135 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£54

Average Price

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

£27

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 Leicester to Bradford is a coach with an average price of £13.

This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Bradford:

A coach is £41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Bradford costing on average £54.

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Bradford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.

Other travel options to Bradford take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 17m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Bradford 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 £54 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-26.52. The journey takes 2h 18m versus 2h 4m 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

Leicester to Bradford train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Bradford trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
London North Eastern RailwayG08149+CrossCountryG00830+Northern RailG89283
Delayed
18:59 18:17Leicester station (LEI)
3h45
22:02 Bradford Interchange (BDI)
2 changes
London North Eastern RailwayG08153+Northern RailG89290+CrossCountryG00833
Delayed
19:58 19:15Leicester station (LEI)
3h45
23:00 Bradford Interchange (BDI)
2 changes
Wednesday 23 September
East Midlands RailwayC21848+CrossCountryG66982+Northern RailG892025:48 Leicester station (LEI)
2h44
8:32 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21848+CrossCountryG66982+Northern RailC328915:48 Leicester station (LEI)
2h49
8:37 Bradford Forster Square (BDQ)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70945+CrossCountryG66987+Northern RailL895518:09 Leicester station (LEI)
2h39
10:48 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70948+Northern RailG89457 · G889698:38 Leicester station (LEI)
2h38
11:16 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21769+CrossCountryG01060+Northern RailC329179:09 Leicester station (LEI)
2h28
11:37 Bradford Forster Square (BDQ)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21769+Northern RailG89217+CrossCountryG010609:09 Leicester station (LEI)
2h22
11:31 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21649+Northern RailG89462 · G889749:40 Leicester station (LEI)
2h36
12:16 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70956+CrossCountryG01062+Northern RailC3173310:10 Leicester station (LEI)
2h22
12:32 Bradford Interchange (BDI)2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Bradford 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Leicester to Bradford trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway and more offer trains services from Leicester to Bradford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Bradford.

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 Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Bradford.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Bradford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Bradford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Bradford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Bradford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Bradford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 01:51, the last at 21:12. The fastest train covers the 135 km distance in 1h 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 £7
Distance
135 km
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
1h 52m
First train
1:51
Last train
21:12
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
4 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 £7

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Rail, CrossCountry from Leicester to Bradford trainsEast Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Rail, CrossCountry trains will get you between Leicester and Bradford from £7. 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 52m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£25
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 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

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 London North Eastern Railway Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£25
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 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

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£25
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
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 dogs per passenger
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
2h 1m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£31
CrossCountry frequency
1 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

Complete guide to Bradford

Things to do in Bradford

Discover the best of Bradford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bradford trip today.

  • Must visit

National Science and Media Museum

National museum for film, television and photography, with major galleries and cinema screens. Ideal for interactive displays and visual culture.

  • Must visit

Hockney Gallery at Salts Mill

Arts centre and gallery in Saltaire showing works by David Hockney and changing exhibitions. Worth visiting for both the art and the riverside setting.

  • Recommended

Impressions Gallery

Compact city-centre gallery with changing exhibitions of contemporary art and community projects. A useful stop for Bradford’s current creative scene.

Pound sterling (£)

Bradford is cheaper than many UK city breaks, with lower hotel, dining and local transport costs than London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Average meal costs

Budget
£6-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-28 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Leicester to Bradford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Bradford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Leicester to Bradford covers a distance of 135 km and takes approximately 1h 52m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Bradford is 135 km.
The first train from Leicester to Bradford leaves at 1:51.
The last train from Leicester to Bradford departs at 21:12.
Trains from Leicester to Bradford run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Bradford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Bradford.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Bradford.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Bradford is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Bradford Interchange (BDI).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Bradford is by coach, costing approximately £7.
Booking trains from Leicester to Bradford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Leicester to Bradford is moderately scenic, featuring picturesque views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages as you travel through regions like West Yorkshire.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Bradford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Bradford

Most Leicester to Bradford trains use the Leicester to Bradford Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bradford Forster Square. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Bradford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Bradford

Which Leicester station do trains to Bradford leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Bradford leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
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.

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