- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Leicester to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$25
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
5 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 18
1
Distance
211 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leicester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Darlington will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 buses from Leicester to Darlington, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 211 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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.
9:05 AM5h45Leicester2:50 PMDarlington$251One-way0 transfers
- 9:05 AM5h45Leicester2:50 PMDarlington$251One-way0 transfers
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 an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, while a train costs an average of $110.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 3m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m 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 $46.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Darlington:
A bus is $63 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Darlington costing on average $110.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 2h 28m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 33m.
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 $46 compared to roughly $55 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8. The journey takes 4h 33m 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 $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Live departures
Leicester to Darlington bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Darlington buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:05 AM Leicester | 5h45 | 2:50 PM Darlington | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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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Sep 18
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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 3 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 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 3h 40m.
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 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 8:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
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: FlixBus, National Express from Leicester to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Darlington with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $23. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$23
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 National Express Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
$53
National Express frequency
1 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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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 $23 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Darlington is $46 ; 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 3h 40m 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 3 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 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Leicester to Darlington is July.
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, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) 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, 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 · $2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · $2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · $1 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Which Darlington station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Darlington most often arrive at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). Some services arrive at Middlesbrough, Bus Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Darlington arrival station.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · $5 · every ~6 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
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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