- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Cheapest price
£62
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
2 h 38 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Manchester will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £62.
To travel from Leicester to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
G66934 · G00860
W33172+
G66934
C04191+
W84678
W33294+
G01048
C04191+
W84678
W33294+
G01048
W33172+
G66934
G66934 · G00860Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 119 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G66934+ W33172 | 10:20 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h42 | 13:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G66934 · G00860 | 10:20 Leicester station (LEI) | 3h09 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
C04191+ W84678 | 10:54 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h12 | 13:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G01048+ W33294 | 11:20 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h29 | 13:49 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Leicester to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 119 km |
Average train duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 3:45 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
There are trains between Leicester and Manchester every hour on this busy route operated by Cross Country, Virgin and East Midlands Trains, making it easy to travel on a flexible basis. The journey is also quick, with many trains arriving in less than two hours.
Trains from Leicester Rail Station to Manchester Piccadilly are operated by Cross Country, Virgin and East Midlands Trains and each operator tends to run one service an hour. The cheapest service is run by Cross Country and mobile ticketing is available on the service for added convenience.
The train journey from Leicester to Manchester usually has one change, either at Sheffield or Birmingham. It can be as short as one and a half hours, but most services tend to average out at two hours. Some journeys are a little longer, but few exceed two hours and 45 minutes.
Trains between Leicester Railway Station operate from 6:00 a.m. through to around 10:00 p.m. each day, including weekends. There are some occasions where there are two train services scheduled from different operators, so customers will find plenty of choice on this busy and well-served route.
Departure train station: Leicester Railway Station was refurbished in 2012 and has an attractive open-plan layout that is designed to be accessible to all travellers. Facilities include a first class lounge, ticket facilities, a seating area, trolleys, a coffee shop and newsagent, ticket office, ATMs and easy connections to onward travel. There is a taxi rank directly outside and local parking. The city centre shops and other attractions are just a short walk away.
Arrival train station: Manchester Piccadilly is the main train station in Manchester and is located in the city centre. The station has toilets and shower rooms (with change machines for the fee), ATMs, retail and supermarket outlets, coffee shops, newsagents, seating areas, ticketing facilities and more. Passengers can make their onward journey via the taxi rank from outside the station, take the Metro which runs from underneath the train station or take a short walk to the city bus stations in Piccadilly Gardens.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leicester to Manchester trains use the Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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