- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leicester to Darlington
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from Kč520. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of Kč520, and a train costs an average of Kč1745.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč779 Average price Cheapest | Kč2018 Average price | Kč1143 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Darlington is a bus with an average price of Kč779.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Darlington:
A bus is Kč1239 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Darlington costing on average Kč2018.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 2h 30m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Darlington including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Darlington among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around Kč779 compared to roughly Kč1143 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč364. The journey takes 4h 9m versus 2h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Leicester to Darlington Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price Kč1125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price Kč520 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč734 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč966 |
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Darlington by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Why should you book Leicester to Darlington buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Leicester to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Darlington.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Darlington.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Darlington.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Darlington run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Kč520 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 20:11. The fastest bus covers the 131 miles (211 km) distance in 5h 45m.
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 131 miles (211 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč520 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 8:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 42 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
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Leicester to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Darlington with Megabus, National Express for as low as Kč520. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 5m
Cheapest Price
Kč685
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
Kč1125
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
MIMA School of Art Gallery
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
- Recommended
Piercebridge Roman Fort Museum
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
- Recommended
High Row
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
- Recommended
Market Place
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
- Recommended
South Park
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
Parmo
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
Pan Haggerty Broth
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Pan Haggerty
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
The Old Yard Tapas Bar
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Akbar The Great
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most local buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; the £2 single fare cap is commonly available on participating services.
- Darlington town centre is walkable from Feethams and nearby bus stops; check live departures in the Arriva UK Bus app before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Leicester to Darlington
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Darlington by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Darlington can start from as little as Kč520 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Darlington is Kč779 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Leicester to Darlington is 5h 45m to travel the 131 miles (211 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Leicester to Darlington leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Leicester to Darlington leaves at 8:11 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Leicester to Darlington which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Leicester to Darlington, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Darlington. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Leicester and Darlington and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Darlington from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Leicester to Darlington is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Darlington including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Leicester to Darlington for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Leicester to Darlington:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Leicester to Darlington depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Leicester to Darlington.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Darlington:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Darlington:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Leicester to Darlington.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Leicester to Darlington with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Leicester to Darlington with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Leicester to Darlington with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Leicester nor Darlington are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Darlington among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Darlington, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and train stations. Be wary of unofficial taxi services to avoid overcharging. It's also advisable to keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Always use licensed transportation and stay informed about local safety updates.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Leicester to Darlington
Most Leicester to Darlington buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Darlington
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · Kč52 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · Kč52 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · Kč52 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · Kč26 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · Kč103 · every ~6 min
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Darlington and Leicester
Most popular bus connections to Darlington
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