London to Leicester train

Trains from London to Leicester

It's easy to get trains from London to Leicester, as a regular service runs throughout the week. You can catch up to 70 trains daily on weekdays, about 68 trains on Saturdays and approximately 40 trains on Sundays. Departures are from early in the morning to late at night, so you will be able to get a suitable train which matches your schedule. The average journey duration is in the region of 1h 15min, and there are slightly faster trains too, so it won't be very long before you're at your destination. Trains are direct, so there is no need to change along the way.

London to Leicester Train Time: Daily Departures

During weekdays, there are normally about 70 trains departing each day between the hours of about 05:30 and 23:35. There are slightly fewer trains on Saturdays, around 68, leaving between 00:15 and 22:30. On Sundays, there are approximately 40 trains, with the earliest departure at about 09:00 and the latest at around 23:00.

How long is the journey by train from London to Leicester?

When you get a train from London to Leicester, the average journey time is normally about 1h 15min. The fastest train tends to take about 1h 02min though, so you can get there quicker if you need to. Most of the trains on this route tend to be direct as well, so you won't have to worry about changing along the way.

Trains from London to Leicester: friends on a train from London. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Leicester?

Departure train station:When you get trains from London to Leicester, you will arrive at London St Pancras International, which is located in the centre of the city. You can get to the station from popular tourist attractions like the British Museum in about 11min on the Piccadilly Line. At the station, you can access a range of amenities, such as food outlets, drink stalls, cashpoints, and gift shops.

Arrival train station: When you get a train to Leicester from London, you will arrive at Leicester train station, located conveniently close to popular attractions. You can get to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery in about 4min on foot. At the station, you can purchase refreshments, and you will also find ticket machines and toilets.

Which train companies travel from London to Leicester?

There is only one train company operating trains from London to Leicester, namely EastMidlands Railway. The company tends to run about 70 trains daily on weekdays, around 68 on Saturdays and about 40 on Sundays. The average train takes in the region of 1h 15min, but you can also find slightly faster trains. Trains tend to be direct, so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Night trains London

There are no trains from London to Leicester operating through the night. However, there are trains that run early in the morning and late at night. For instance, you could catch a train as early as about 05:27, which arrives into Leicester at around 06:33, whilst the latest departure tends to be at about 00:15, arriving at around 02:30.

East Midlands Railway trains from London to Leicester

East Midlands Railway's London to Leicester trains run regularly throughout the week. There are around 70 trains that leave on weekdays, approximately 68 on Saturdays and 40 trains on Sundays. The first train tends to depart at around 05:30 between Monday to Friday, about 00:15 on Saturdays and approximately 09:00 on Sundays. Whilst the last train of the day departs at about 23:55 on weekdays, it is slightly earlier on Saturdays, at around 22:30, and on Sundays, at approximately 23:00. On average trains, tend to take about 1h 15min for the journey. However, some trains travel the route as quickly as 1h 02min, so you'll be in Leicester before you know it. All trains on this route are direct, so you will not need to transfer on your journey.

Trains from London to Leicester: Sustainability travel

When you take a train from London to Leicester you can do so knowing that you are travelling by one of the most sustainable modes of transport. Compared to buses or cars, trains have lower carbon dioxide emissions per passenger, which is great for the environment and your own carbon footprint. There is also less noise pollution which enhances the well-being of those that live near the tracks and also local wildlife populations.

Train London to Leicester: Services on Board

When you get trains from London to Leicester, there are some great facilities on board for you to enjoy. You can enjoy First-Class service if you wish, which provides comfier seating and also extra legroom. On the East Midlands Railway trains, you can take three items of luggage, which can consist of two large items and one smaller bag. These must all fit in the luggage racks provided. There is capacity for up to two bikes on each train, so it's recommended that you call up in advance if you want to take a bicycle on board. However, folding bikes can be taken on the train and stored in the luggage racks. You can take two pets onboard the trains with you, but they must be under your control at all times. If you have a disability or are travelling with mobility issues, you can call up in advance and arrange assistance for your arrival at the train stations.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Leicester

You can generally get cheap train tickets from London to Leicester if you book your ticket as early as possible. The closer you get to the departure date, the higher the price is likely to be. If you have flexibility with your journey, this can also be helpful, as you might be able to pick up a cheaper ticket a few hours either side of your preferred travel time. Railcards, such as a young person's or senior citizens' railcard, are also great for saving on rail journeys. If you want to find more cheap destinations in the UK to explore then check out the Omio magazine, Window Seat, online too.

Trains from London to Leicester: Kenilworth castle in Leicester. Source: Shutterstock

To Leicester by train—travel tips

When you travel by train to Leicester from London, there is loads to do upon arrival. To ensure you don't miss out on any of the top sites, make an itinerary before you get there. Start your trip at the National Space Centre, which provides an in-depth look at some of the mysteries of space. Then head over to the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, where you can see a range of relics, learn about dinosaurs and admire pieces of art from different eras. Next up, test yourself at the Social Climbing Centre, where you can go rock climb and bouldering. Take in the fabulous Leicester Cathedral, a great piece of architecture steeped in history. If you like football, then you should head over to the King Power Stadium, home to the previous Premier League champions, Leicester City.

• Check out the King Richard III Visitor Centre
• Enjoy an evening at the Curve Theatre
• Go for a leisurely stroll around Abbey Park
• Visit the Abbey Pumping Station museum
• Spend the day at Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens