- 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 Reading to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£60
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£116
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
2 h 18 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
2 h 20 m
Trains on 14 Oct
15
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Leicester will cost around £116 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
Fast trains
To travel from Reading to Leicester you need to make at least 2 changes.
W70961+
V21907+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:432h22Reading station (RDG)11:05Leicester station (LEI)£601One-way2 changes
G00739 · G666278:513h00Reading station (RDG)11:51Leicester station (LEI)£621One-way1 change- W70847+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C486094:353h13Reading station (RDG)7:48Leicester station (LEI)£841One-way2 changes
- W70940+G154583:543h11Reading station (RDG)7:05Leicester station (LEI)£991One-way1 change
- C21774+C486052:244h12Reading station (RDG)6:36Leicester station (LEI)£991One-way1 change
- W70958+W35357+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:182h18Reading station (RDG)10:36Leicester station (LEI)£1531One-way2 changes
- W70945+W34850+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International5:482h20Reading station (RDG)8:08Leicester station (LEI)£1531One-way2 changes
- W71004+G14906+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International16:192h20Reading station (RDG)18:39Leicester station (LEI)£1531One-way2 changes
- W70961+V21907+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:432h22Reading station (RDG)11:05Leicester station (LEI)£601One-way2 changes
- C21758+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+G1504916:472h22Reading station (RDG)19:09Leicester station (LEI)£1531One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Leicester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £37 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 132 km distance in 1h 41m.
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 £37
Distance 132 km |
Average train duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:52 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 £37
Live departures
Reading to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C21774+C48605 | On time 2:24 Reading station (RDG) | 4h12 | 6:36 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W70940+G15458 | 3:54 Reading station (RDG) | 3h11 | 7:05 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W70847+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C48609 | 4:35 Reading station (RDG) | 3h13 | 7:48 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| W70945+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W34850 | 5:48 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 8:08 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| G00851 · G00808 | 8:15 Reading station (RDG) | 2h56 | 11:11 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
G00851 · G66624+ W11287 | 8:15 Reading station (RDG) | 2h36 | 10:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| W70958+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W35357 | 8:18 Reading station (RDG) | 2h18 | 10:36 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| W70961+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+V21907 | 8:43 Reading station (RDG) | 2h22 | 11:05 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| G00739 · G66627 | 8:51 Reading station (RDG) | 3h00 | 11:51 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| G00891 · G00833 | 16:15 Reading station (RDG) | 2h59 | 19:14 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| G00891 · G66649+W11345 | 16:15 Reading station (RDG) | 2h37 | 18:52 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as CrossCountry or Elizabeth line offer trains services from Reading to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Leicester.
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Elizabeth line from Reading to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Reading and Leicester from £37. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 41m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£44
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£43
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
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£60
Elizabeth line frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
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: Reading to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Reading to Leicester covers a distance of 132 km and takes approximately 1h 41m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Leicester is 132 km.
The first train from Reading to Leicester leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Reading to Leicester departs at 22:52.
Trains from Reading to Leicester run approximately 10 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Reading to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Leicester.
There is no night train service from Reading to Leicester.
The train station in Reading that goes to Leicester is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Leicester primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, offering views of the English countryside, fields, and towns, but it is not renowned for particularly scenic landscapes compared to more rural routes.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Leicester
Most Reading to Leicester trains use the Reading to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Reading station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Reading to Leicester leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, 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 Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading 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 Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Reading
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.
