- 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.
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
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Macclesfield to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Macclesfield to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, while a train costs an average of £123.
Distance: 96 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£123 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Macclesfield to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £30.
This is compared to other travel options from Macclesfield to Leicester:
A coach is £93 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Macclesfield to Leicester costing on average £123.
The fastest way to travel from Macclesfield to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 49m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Macclesfield and Leicester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (1h 49m by train vs 1h 58m by car). Tickets start at around £123 compared to roughly £20 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Macclesfield 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Macclesfield to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast and more offer trains services from Macclesfield to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Macclesfield to Leicester.
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, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Macclesfield 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Macclesfield to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Macclesfield to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Macclesfield to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Macclesfield to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Macclesfield to Leicester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £117 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 96 km distance in 1h 24m.
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 £22
Distance 96 km |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £117 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 1h 24m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 22:56 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 49 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 £22
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Macclesfield to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Macclesfield and Leicester from £22. 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
£24
CrossCountry frequency
8 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
3h 18m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£74
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£125
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 24m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£117
Cross Country frequency
17 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.
FAQs: Macclesfield to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £117, while the average price tends to be around £123.
The train journey from Macclesfield to Leicester covers a distance of 96 km and takes approximately 1h 24m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Macclesfield to Leicester is 96 km.
The first train from Macclesfield to Leicester leaves at 5:48.
The last train from Macclesfield to Leicester departs at 22:56.
Trains from Macclesfield to Leicester run approximately 10 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Macclesfield to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Macclesfield to Leicester.
To get from Macclesfield to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Macclesfield to Leicester.
The train station in Macclesfield that goes to Leicester is Macclesfield station (MAC), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Macclesfield to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Leicester is moderately scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside, charming towns, and glimpses of the Peak District's outskirts as you travel through the heart of England.
A day trip from Macclesfield to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 24m. There are 4 trains per day, and the distance is 96 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 Macclesfield to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Macclesfield and Leicester
Most Macclesfield to Leicester trains use the Macclesfield to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Macclesfield and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Macclesfield
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Macclesfield station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Macclesfield to Leicester leave from Macclesfield. The station is from Macclesfield city centre at Macclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP.
MacclesfieldMacclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP
City-centre transport
Getting to Macclesfield from Macclesfield city centre
Bus391 · 3m · every ~1 min
Macclesfield train station facilities and services
Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Macclesfield arrive at?
Trains from Macclesfield to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.
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 Macclesfield
More options for your journey from Macclesfield to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Macclesfield
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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.
