- 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 Swindon to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£75
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£127
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 5 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swindon to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swindon to Leicester will cost around £127 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Swindon to Leicester, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 128 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 37 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.
18:413h37Swindon22:18Leicester£751One-way0 changes- 8:122h59Swindon11:11Leicester£1141One-way0 changes
- 7:122h59Swindon10:11Leicester£1141One-way0 changes
14:202h46Swindon17:06Leicester£2061One-way0 changes
- 14:202h46Swindon17:06Leicester£2061One-way0 changes
- 8:122h59Swindon11:11Leicester£1141One-way0 changes
- 7:122h59Swindon10:11Leicester£1141One-way0 changes
- 18:413h37Swindon22:18Leicester£751One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Swindon to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 128 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Swindon to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Leicester:
A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to Leicester costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 20m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 20m by train vs 2h 25m by car). Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £24 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
Swindon to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Swindon to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:12 Swindon | 2h59 | 10:11 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:12 Swindon | 2h59 | 11:11 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swindon 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.
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
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Swindon to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Swindon to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swindon 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 East Midlands Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Swindon 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swindon 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 East Midlands Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Swindon to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swindon to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swindon to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 3h 11m.
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 £16
Distance 128 km |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 21:41 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 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 £16
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Swindon to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Swindon and Leicester from £16. 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
3h 11m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£50
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
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
3h 2m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£129
East Midlands Railway frequency
3 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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£193
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
2 a day
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: Swindon to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Swindon to Leicester covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 3h 11m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Swindon to Leicester is 128 km.
The first train from Swindon to Leicester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Swindon to Leicester departs at 21:41.
Trains from Swindon to Leicester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Swindon to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Swindon to Leicester.
To get from Swindon to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Swindon to Leicester.
The train station in Swindon that goes to Leicester is Swindon station (SWI), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Swindon to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Swindon 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 Swindon to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with some scenic views of the English countryside, particularly as you travel through the Cotswolds and past areas of natural beauty.
A day trip from Swindon to Leicester is not feasible because the journey takes 3h 11m. However, there are 5 train services per day covering the 128 km distance.
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 Swindon to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swindon and Leicester
Most Swindon to Leicester trains use the Swindon to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swindon
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Swindon station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Swindon to Leicester leave from Swindon. The station is 1 km from Swindon city centre at Swindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre
Bus82, 49 · 6m · £4 · every ~6 min
Swindon train station facilities and services
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, 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 taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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, 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 Swindon arrive at?
Trains from Swindon 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.
More options for your journey from Swindon to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Swindon
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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