- 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£33
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£55
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
2 h 37 m
Trains on 30 Aug
7
Distance
177 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Fast trains
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 7 trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 177 km distance in an average of 2 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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.
9:592h54London Gatwick Airport12:53Leicester£331One-way0 changes- 8:472h44London Gatwick Airport11:31Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 8:062h22London Gatwick Airport10:28Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 9:062h22London Gatwick Airport11:28Leicester£521One-way0 changes
- 9:122h42London Gatwick Airport11:54Leicester£541One-way0 changes
- 9:062h22London Gatwick Airport11:28Leicester£521One-way0 changes
- 8:062h22London Gatwick Airport10:28Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 9:122h42London Gatwick Airport11:54Leicester£541One-way0 changes
- 8:472h44London Gatwick Airport11:31Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 10:002h53London Gatwick Airport12:53Leicester£761One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £50.
Distance: 177 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Gatwick Airport to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W70864+ C02689 | Delayed 9:05 9:06Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h10 | 11:16 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C21565+W45708 | Delayed 9:32 9:19Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h17 | 11:36 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W70867+C02687 | Delayed 9:35 9:36Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h09 | 11:45 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W70968+W45692 | Delayed 10:02 9:49Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h17 | 12:06 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C21555+C02674 | Delayed 10:05 10:06Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h11 | 12:17 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| 8:06 London Gatwick Airport | 2h22 | 10:28 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:47 London Gatwick Airport | 2h44 | 11:31 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Leicester by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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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30 Aug
30 Aug
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31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
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03 Sept
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Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:06, the last at 21:36. The fastest train covers the 177 km distance in 2h 9m.
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 £9
Distance 177 km |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 5:06 |
Last train 21:36 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £9
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Leicester from £9. 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
2h 9m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£23
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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£72
Thameslink frequency
51 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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: London Gatwick Airport to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester covers a distance of 177 km and takes approximately 2h 9m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is 177 km.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester leaves at 5:06.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester departs at 21:36.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
To get from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester offers a mix of urban and countryside views. As the train departs from the bustling areas of London, it gradually moves through the rolling landscapes of the Midlands, offering glimpses of charming villages and scenic countryside, though the route is not traditionally considered one of the most scenic in the UK.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 9m. Trains run 10 times per day for this route, covering a distance of 177 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Leicester
Most London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains use the London St Pancras International to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Leicester
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 London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and London Gatwick Airport
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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