- 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 Luton to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£27
Average price
£30
Fastest journey
1 h 4 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
97 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Leicester will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Fast trains
To travel from Luton to Leicester you need to make at least one change.
C41876 · W7086710:401h05Luton station (LUT)11:45Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change- C41868 · C215539:101h06Luton station (LUT)10:16Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41872 · W7086410:101h06Luton station (LUT)11:16Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41860 · W708558:101h06Luton station (LUT)9:16Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41882 · W7087311:401h05Luton station (LUT)12:45Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41923 · W7090718:401h04Luton station (LUT)19:44Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41911 · W7089916:401h04Luton station (LUT)17:44Leicester station (LEI)£311One-way1 change
- C41876 · W7086710:401h05Luton station (LUT)11:45Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
- C41864 · C215528:401h05Luton station (LUT)9:45Leicester station (LEI)£311One-way1 change
- C41882 · W7087311:401h05Luton station (LUT)12:45Leicester station (LEI)£271One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Luton to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 31m. 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 £6, and a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 97 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£36 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration 1h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
Live departures
Luton to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Leicester trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C41862 · W70854 | On time 8:14 Luton station (LUT) | 1h05 | 9:19 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C41866 · W70858 | On time 9:15 Luton station (LUT) | 1h05 | 10:20 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C41869 · W70861 | On time 9:40 Luton station (LUT) | 1h06 | 10:46 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C41873 · C21645 | On time 10:10 Luton station (LUT) | 1h07 | 11:17 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C41875 · C21643 | On time 10:40 Luton station (LUT) | 1h05 | 11:45 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C41879 · C21652 | On time 11:10 Luton station (LUT) | 1h07 | 12:17 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
| C41860 · W70855 | 8:10 Luton station (LUT) | 1h06 | 9:16 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Luton 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.
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
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24 Aug
24 Aug
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25 Aug
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28 Aug
Why should you book Luton to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Luton to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton 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 or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Luton 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 or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Leicester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Luton to Leicester?
The best time to book your train from Luton to Leicester is 6 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Leicester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton to Leicester 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 Luton to Leicester.
Trains
from £27Coaches
from £23Journey information
Overview: Train from Luton to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Luton to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 97 km distance in 55m.
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 £6
Distance 97 km |
Average train duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 55m |
First train 4:20 |
Last train 23:46 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 £6
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Luton to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Luton and Leicester 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 Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
£12
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 Duration
1h 13m
Cheapest Price
£41
Thameslink frequency
2 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
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
£31
east_midlands_trains frequency
16 a day
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.
Trains from Luton to Leicester
If you are touching down from a flight or just want to visit the resting place of Richard III, getting from Luton to Leicester by train is easy. East Midlands Trains run direct and indirect services once every hour, starting at 6:12 a.m. and finishing at 11:46 p.m., where most journeys take just over an hour. Should you require a transfer, it won't add much to the journey. Transfers will take place at Luton Parkway, just outside the airport.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Luton to Leicester?
Departure Station: There are a number of departure points for trains from Luton to Leicester. The first is Luton Station, which is on Hucklesby Way in the centre of town. The second is Luton Airport Parkway. The number 30 bus runs from the town centre straight to the station entrance.
Arrival Station: All trains from Luton get into Leicester's elegant Victorian station. From there, you can walk about 800 metres down Granby Street to the city centre or take the 48 bus, which also runs southwards to outside the King Power Stadium.
Taking the Train from Luton
Luton's main railway station is close to the centre of town, and it is served by regular buses from around the area. Passengers travelling from London Luton Airport can benefit from a fast rail link to the main train station from London Airport Parkway. The station has parking available for motorists, or alternatively you can travel there by taxi.
Getting into Leicester by Train
Leicester's new Richard III visitor centre has become a major draw for tourists, following the discovery of the king's body in the city. However, the city also has many other visitor attractions, including its castle, museums and art galleries. Leicester is also a popular destination for both shopping and eating out. People taking trains from Luton to Leicester arrive at the train station in London Road, just five minutes from the city centre by foot. There are frequent bus services from outside the rail station to locations around Leicester, as well as a taxi rank at the front of the station. Buses also regularly depart from the city centre for East Midlands Airport in Castle Donington.
FAQs: Luton to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The train journey from Luton to Leicester covers a distance of 97 km and takes approximately 55m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Luton to Leicester is 97 km.
The first train from Luton to Leicester leaves at 4:20.
The last train from Luton to Leicester departs at 23:46.
Trains from Luton to Leicester run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Luton to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Leicester.
To get from Luton to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Luton to Leicester.
The train station in Luton that goes to Leicester is Luton station (LUT), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £7.
Booking trains from Luton 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 Luton to Leicester offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through areas like the Chiltern Hills and Northamptonshire's rural landscapes, providing a pleasant but not particularly dramatic scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Luton to Leicester is feasible. The journey takes 55m and covers 97 km. Trains run frequently with 7 trips per day.
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 Luton to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Luton and Leicester
Most Luton to Leicester trains use the Luton to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Luton station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Luton to Leicester leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
Luton train station facilities and services
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min
Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UK
Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Leicester station do trains from Luton arrive at?
Trains from Luton to Leicester most often arrive at Leicester. Some services arrive at South Wigston, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leicester arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from Luton to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Luton
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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