Manchester to Leicester train with CrossCountry

Trains from Manchester to Leicester

With around two to three scheduled train services an hour between Manchester and Leicester, it's easy to travel between these cities quickly and flexibly. Journeys can take as little as one and a half hours and there tends to be one change at Sheffield or Nuneaton. 

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Leicester?

Train services between Manchester and Leicester are operated by East Midlands Trains, Virgin and West Midlands Railway. Some services depart from Manchester Picadilly station and others from Manchester Oxford Road. These stations are only a 10-15 minute walk from each other and there are connecting trains every few minutes from Manchester Oxford Road, travelling just one stop to Manchester Picadilly.

How long is the train from Manchester to Leicester?

Trains between Manchester and Leicester can take as little as one and a half hours, although most journeys seem to average out at around two hours and have one changeover. A few journeys have two changeovers.

How many trains are there from Manchester to Leicester?

There are around two to three scheduled services every hour from Manchester Oxford Road or Manchester Picadilly through to Leicester Train Station. Services begin at around 6:00 a.m. and run until 10:00 p.m., even at weekends. This is a popular commuter and tourist route that is very well served with scheduled services, making it ideal for flexible travel.

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

Departure train station: Manchester trains depart from either Manchester Oxford Road, the terminus station, or Manchester Picadilly, which is the stop just before. Both stations are easily linked with a ten-minute walk or a quick hop on a train. Both stations have ticketing facilities, waiting areas with seating, coffee shops and accessible toilets. Manchester Piccadilly is the city's largest station and also has showers, retail outlets, food outlets and trolleys.

Arrival train station: Leicester station was refurbished in 2002 and now boasts an attractive open-plan layout, accessible facilities, a retail zone with shops, coffee and food facilities, lifts, ticket facilities, trolleys and more.  There is a large car park outside, a taxi rank directly in front of the station and the city bus routes are just a short walk away.