- 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 Preston to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£93
Average price
£93
Fastest journey
2 h 27 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Leicester will cost around £93 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £93.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Leicester you need to make at least one change.
C00578+
G6663812:052h46Preston station (PRE)14:51Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way1 change- Y14762+G0082815:272h27Preston station (PRE)17:54Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way1 change
W34255+G00826+
G8986514:202h52Preston station (PRE)17:12Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes- W33886+G00821+G8985412:202h50Preston station (PRE)15:10Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes
- W33929+G00833+G8982116:202h54Preston station (PRE)19:14Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes
- Y14762+G0082815:272h27Preston station (PRE)17:54Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way1 change
- C00578+G6663812:052h46Preston station (PRE)14:51Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way1 change
- C01289+G00824+G8986113:212h49Preston station (PRE)16:10Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes
- W33886+G00821+G8985412:202h50Preston station (PRE)15:10Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes
- W34255+G00826+G8986514:202h52Preston station (PRE)17:12Leicester station (LEI)£931One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 19m. 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 £20, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£82 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Preston to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C00578+G66638 | 12:05 Preston station (PRE) | 2h46 | 14:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W33886+G00821+G89854 | 12:20 Preston station (PRE) | 2h50 | 15:10 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| C01289+G00824+G89861 | 13:21 Preston station (PRE) | 2h49 | 16:10 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| W34255+G00826+G89865 | 14:20 Preston station (PRE) | 2h52 | 17:12 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| Y14762+G00828 | 15:27 Preston station (PRE) | 2h27 | 17:54 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
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Mon
10 Aug
10 Aug
Why should you book Preston to Leicester trains with Omio?
West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Caledonian Sleeper and more offer trains services from Preston to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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 West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 30m.
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 £20
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 5:10 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £20
Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Leicester trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Leicester from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£44
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 Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Price
£62
Avanti West Coast frequency
24 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
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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£64
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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Price
£67
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. 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: Preston to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £82.
The train journey from Preston to Leicester covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 2h 30m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Leicester is 164 km.
The first train from Preston to Leicester leaves at 5:10.
The last train from Preston to Leicester departs at 23:56.
Trains from Preston to Leicester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Leicester.
To get from Preston to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Leicester.
The train station in Preston that goes to Leicester is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Lancashire countryside, industrial towns, and glimpses of natural landscapes along the way.
A day trip from Preston to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 30m. However, there are 6 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 164 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 Preston to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Leicester
Most Preston to Leicester trains use the Preston to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Preston station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Preston to Leicester leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Leicester station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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 Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Preston
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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