- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
House museum beside the castle displaying eccentric collections, period rooms and curiosities that make for an unusual visit near Stansted.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Stansted
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h 51 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h 57 m
Trains on 20 Sept
3
Distance
126 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Stansted is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Stansted will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 3 trains from Leicester to Stansted, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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.
8:322h51Leicester11:23Stansted£451One-way0 changes- 8:572h58Leicester11:55Stansted£631One-way0 changes
- 8:533h02Leicester11:55Stansted£741One-way0 changes
- 8:322h51Leicester11:23Stansted£451One-way0 changes
- 8:572h58Leicester11:55Stansted£631One-way0 changes
- 8:533h02Leicester11:55Stansted£741One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Stansted
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Stansted among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £87.
Distance: 126 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£87 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Stansted is a coach with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Stansted:
A coach is £55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Stansted costing on average £87.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Stansted is by train with an average journey time of 2h 12m.
Other travel options to Stansted take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Stansted 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 £87 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-52.08. The journey takes 2h 12m versus 2h 3m 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 Stansted train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Stansted trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:32 Leicester | 2h51 | 11:23 Stansted | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:53 Leicester | 3h02 | 11:55 Stansted | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:57 Leicester | 2h58 | 11:55 Stansted | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Stansted 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Leicester to Stansted trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Leicester to Stansted.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Stansted.
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 East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Stansted.
- 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 Stansted.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Stansted.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Stansted.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Leicester to Stansted?
The best time to book your train from Leicester to Stansted is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Leicester to Stansted route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Leicester to Stansted per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Leicester to Stansted.
Trains
from £37Coaches
from £24Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Stansted
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Stansted run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 59m.
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 126 km |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 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
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway from Leicester to Stansted trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Leicester and Stansted from £18. 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
2h 24m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£18
CrossCountry frequency
2 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
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 59m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£40
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
Complete guide to Stansted
Things to do in Stansted
Discover the best of Stansted — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted trip today.
- Recommended
Saffron Walden Museum
Museum and art gallery in Saffron Walden with natural history, archaeology, world cultures and temporary exhibitions in one compact venue.
- Recommended
Stansted Airport Aviation Museum
Aviation museum at the airport featuring preserved aircraft and displays on Stansted’s role in civil and military aviation.
- Must visit
Hatfield Forest
Large country park with lakes, woodland and open grassland. Popular for walking, birdwatching and an easy escape close to the airport.
- Recommended
Market Place, Saffron Walden
Historic market square in Saffron Walden lined with old buildings, shops and regular market activity, ideal for a short stroll and photos.
- Recommended
Bridge End Garden
Landscaped park around a maze, open lawns and ornamental features. It is a pleasant local favourite for a quiet walk near Stansted.
FAQs: Leicester to Stansted train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Stansted 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 Stansted, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Stansted can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £87.
The train journey from Leicester to Stansted covers a distance of 126 km and takes approximately 1h 59m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Stansted is 126 km.
The first train from Leicester to Stansted leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Leicester to Stansted departs at 22:15.
Trains from Leicester to Stansted run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Stansted.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leicester and Stansted. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
To get from Leicester to Stansted, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Stansted.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Stansted is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Stansted Airport (SSD).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Stansted is by train, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Leicester to Stansted 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 Stansted offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the picturesque countryside of Cambridgeshire and glimpses of historic towns like Peterborough, making it moderately scenic.
A day trip from Leicester to Stansted is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 59m. Trains run 4 times per day and the distance is 126 km.
Stansted is primarily a transport hub, so a visit typically requires a day or less, mainly for transit purposes. If exploring nearby attractions, consider extending your stay to a couple of days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Stansted.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Stansted
Most Leicester to Stansted trains use the Leicester to Stansted Airport station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Stansted 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 Stansted
Which Leicester station do trains to Stansted leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Stansted 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 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 Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Stansted
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Stansted and Leicester
Most popular train connections to Stansted
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
