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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 27 Dec
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£48
Fastest journey
2 h 3 m
Average duration
2 h 44 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
120 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Leicester will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Watford for Leicester every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 120 km distance in an average of 2 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 12 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.
04:523h12
Watford08:04Leicester
£331One-way
0 changes
08:332h40
Watford11:13Leicester
£391One-way
0 changes
07:332h03
Watford09:36Leicester
£451One-way
0 changes
13:003h00
Watford16:00Leicester
£741One-way
0 changes
07:332h03
Watford09:36Leicester
£451One-way
0 changes
08:332h40
Watford11:13Leicester
£391One-way
0 changes
13:003h00
Watford16:00Leicester
£741One-way
0 changes
04:523h12
Watford08:04Leicester
£331One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Watford to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Watford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, and a coach costs an average of £74.
Distance: 120 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£54 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Watford to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Saturday 27 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 19:15
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:52 Watford | 3h12 | 08:04 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:33 Watford | 2h03 | 09:36 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:33 Watford | 2h40 | 11:13 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:00 Watford | 3h00 | 16:00 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford 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.
Sat
27 Dec
27 Dec
Sun
28 Dec
28 Dec
Mon
29 Dec
29 Dec
Tue
30 Dec
30 Dec
Wed
31 Dec
31 Dec
Thu
01 Jan
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan
02 Jan
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Leicester run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 120 km distance in 1h 53m.
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
Distance 120 km |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 04:15 |
Last train 22:52 |
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
Train companies: East Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Watford to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Watford and Leicester from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
£28
East Midlands Trains frequency
13 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
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 17m
Cheapest Price
£74
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
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
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
£74
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
FAQs: Watford to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.
Yes, a day trip from Watford to Leicester is feasible as the journey takes 1h 53m. Trains run 16 times per day, covering a distance of 120 km.
The train journey from Watford to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural views, with sections passing through the picturesque countryside of Hertfordshire and Leicestershire, featuring rolling hills and farmlands.
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.
To get from Watford to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Watford to Leicester is 120 km.
Booking trains from Watford 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 Watford to Leicester covers a distance of 120 km and takes approximately 1h 53m. Trains run 16 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The first train from Watford to Leicester leaves at 4:15.
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Leicester is by train, costing approximately £27.
The last train from Watford to Leicester departs at 22:52.
The train station in Watford that goes to Leicester is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
Trains from Watford to Leicester run approximately 16 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Watford to Leicester.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Leicester.
There is no night train service from Watford to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Leicester
Watford
Leicester
The major train station for departures in Watford is Watford Junction. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Watford Junction for your trip from Watford to Leicester.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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 public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall.
- 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 Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Watford Junction
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Bushey Station
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bushey
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
Shopping
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only
- Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Watford High Street
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
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 Watford.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike 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
More options for your journey from Watford to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Watford
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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