- 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
The cheapest and fastest trains from Northampton to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£28
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 41 m
Trains on 18 Sept
7
Distance
46 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Northampton to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Leicester will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 7 trains from Northampton to Leicester, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 46 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 41 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.
13:101h41Northampton14:51Leicester£281One-way0 changes- 7:101h42Northampton8:52Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 8:101h41Northampton9:51Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 11:101h40Northampton12:50Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 9:101h41Northampton10:51Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 11:101h40Northampton12:50Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 10:101h40Northampton11:50Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 13:101h41Northampton14:51Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 9:101h41Northampton10:51Leicester£281One-way0 changes
- 12:101h41Northampton13:51Leicester£291One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Northampton to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 46 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Northampton to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Northampton to Leicester:
A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Northampton to Leicester costing on average £30.
The fastest way to travel from Northampton to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 1m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton 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 10m sooner (1h 1m by train vs 1h 11m by car). Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £9 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.
Live departures
Northampton to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Leicester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y80794 · C17750+ G00787 | 8:10 Northampton station (NMP) | 1h42 | 9:52 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| Y80805 · C17848+G66624 | 9:10 Northampton station (NMP) | 1h41 | 10:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| C17883 · C17878+G66627 | 10:10 Northampton station (NMP) | 1h41 | 11:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| Y80826 · C17873+G00789 | 11:10 Northampton station (NMP) | 1h40 | 12:50 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| C17931 · C17792+G00793 | 12:10 Northampton station (NMP) | 1h42 | 13:52 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton 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.
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
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Northampton to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Northampton to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton 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 West Midlands Trains or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton 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 Northampton to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Northampton to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Northampton to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Northampton to Leicester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 1h 19m.
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 £12
Distance 46 km |
Average train duration 1h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 19m |
First train 5:10 |
Last train 22:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £12
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Northampton to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Northampton and Leicester from £12. 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
59m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£28
CrossCountry frequency
3 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
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
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
54m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£28
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 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
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: Northampton to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £30.
The train journey from Northampton to Leicester covers a distance of 46 km and takes approximately 54m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Northampton to Leicester is 46 km.
The first train from Northampton to Leicester leaves at 5:10.
The last train from Northampton to Leicester departs at 22:56.
Trains from Northampton to Leicester run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Northampton to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Northampton to Leicester.
To get from Northampton to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Northampton to Leicester.
The train station in Northampton that goes to Leicester is Northampton station (NMP), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Northampton to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Northampton 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 Northampton to Leicester offers views of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills and farmland, making it a pleasant, though not particularly dramatic, scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Northampton to Leicester is feasible with a journey time of 54m and a distance of 46 km. Trains run 3 times 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 Northampton to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Leicester
Most Northampton to Leicester trains use the Northampton to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Northampton
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Northampton station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Northampton to Leicester leave from Northampton. The station is 2 km from Northampton city centre at Northampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including 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 Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Northampton arrive at?
Trains from Northampton 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.
Most popular train connections from Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Northampton
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.
