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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 15 Dec
Cheapest price
£94
Average price
£101
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Trains per day
5
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 £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £94.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Preston for Leicester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.
09:182h32
Preston11:50Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
12:192h32
Preston14:51Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
13:202h52
Preston16:12Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
10:182h33
Preston12:51Leicester
£961One-way
0 changes
04:523h37
Preston08:29Leicester
£1271One-way
0 changes
09:182h32
Preston11:50Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
12:192h32
Preston14:51Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
10:182h33
Preston12:51Leicester
£961One-way
0 changes
13:202h52
Preston16:12Leicester
£941One-way
0 changes
05:113h18
Preston08:29Leicester
£1281One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. 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 £17, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£98 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m 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 today, Sunday 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 14:45
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 16:18 Preston | 2h55 | 19:13 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 15 December | |||||
| 04:51 Preston | 3h38 | 08:29 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:11 Preston | 3h18 | 08:29 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:18 Preston | 2h32 | 11:50 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:18 Preston | 2h33 | 12:51 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:20 Preston | 2h52 | 16:12 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston 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.
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15 Dec
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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 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 28m.
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 £17
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 28m |
First train 05:10 |
Last train 23:56 |
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 £17
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Preston to Leicester trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Preston and Leicester from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 28m
Cheapest Price
£68
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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
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 31m
Cheapest Price
£93
West Midlands Trains frequency
4 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
East Midlands Trains
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
£66
East Midlands Trains 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
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 Duration
3h 37m
Cheapest Price
£89
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
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.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £17.
The train distance from Preston to Leicester is 164 km.
A day trip from Preston to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 28m. However, there are 6 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 164 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £98.
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 last train from Preston to Leicester departs at 23:56.
There is no night train service from Preston to Leicester.
The train journey from Preston to Leicester covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 2h 28m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Preston that goes to Leicester is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The first train from Preston to Leicester leaves at 5:10.
Trains from Preston to Leicester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Leicester.
Yes, you can take the train 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 train and coach.
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Leicester
Preston
Leicester
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
The major train station for arrivals in Leicester is Leicester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester for your journey to Leicester from Preston.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:20 - 22:30 Saturday 05:20 - 22:30 Sunday 07:15 - 22:30
Parking
- Car Park: Short stay car park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse, Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The radar key is available from the Duty Manager located on the end of Platform 3/4.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle hub situated on the lower floor (old Red Star parcels area) which can be accessed via the lift located to the left of the Customer Information desk. Stands also available in main car park and station front near short stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Leicester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Coaches leave from the Station front
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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