Bristol to Leicester train with CrossCountry

Mon, Aug 24
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
East Midlands Railway
Cross Country
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
East Midlands Railway
Cross Country
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Leicester

Showing times and prices for Aug 24

Cheapest price

$49

Average price

$60

Fastest journey

2 h 37 m

Average duration

2 h 47 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

165 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Leicester will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Bristol for Leicester on Mon, Aug 24, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 37 m .

On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 2 h 51 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.

  • CrossCountry
    5:25 AM2h48
    Bristol
    8:13 AMLeicester
    $491One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    9:00 AM2h51
    Bristol
    11:51 AMLeicester
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    8:00 AM2h51
    Bristol
    10:51 AMLeicester
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    1:33 PM2h37
    Bristol
    4:10 PMLeicester
    $641One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    7:01 AM2h50
    Bristol
    9:51 AMLeicester
    $641One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bristol to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $27.

Distance: 102 miles (165 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$65

Average price

$16

Average price

Cheapest

$56

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Bristol to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $16.

This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Leicester:

A bus is $49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Leicester costing on average $65.

The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 55m.

Other travel options to Leicester take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 6m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $65 compared to roughly $56 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.43. The journey takes 2h 55m versus 2h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Bristol to Leicester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Leicester trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryW29776 · G66633
On time
10:31 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
1:46 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1 transfer
Monday, August 24
CrossCountry5:25 AM Bristol
2h48
8:13 AM Leicester0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry7:01 AM Bristol
2h50
9:51 AM Leicester0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry8:00 AM Bristol
2h51
10:51 AM Leicester0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Leicester by bus or train

Compare bus 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.

Mon
Aug 24
Tue
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30

Why should you book Bristol to Leicester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Bristol to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol 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 Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Leicester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 but you can travel from only $6 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 21:24. The fastest train covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 2h 35m.

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
Bus from $6
Distance
102 miles (165 km)
Average train duration
2h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
$27
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 35m
First train
4:41 AM
Last train
9:24 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
21 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
Bus from $6

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway, Cross Country from Bristol to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Leicester from $6. 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 Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
$27
CrossCountry frequency
6 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

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
$89
Great Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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 Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$107
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$187
Cross Country frequency
16 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.

  • Must visit

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.

  • Recommended

Abbey Pumping Station

A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 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
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Leicester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $27, while the average price is around $65.
The train from Bristol to Leicester takes 2h 35m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Bristol to Leicester is 102 miles (165 km).
The first train from Bristol to Leicester leaves at 4:41 AM.
The last train from Bristol to Leicester leaves at 9:24 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Bristol to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bristol to Leicester. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bristol to Leicester.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Leicester is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around $6.
The train journey from Bristol to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling countryside, small towns, and occasional glimpses of historical architecture, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
A day trip from Bristol to Leicester is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 35m. Trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 102 miles (165 km).
Typically, 2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore Leicester's main attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Leicester.
Since neither Bristol nor Leicester 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.
Popular day trips by train from Leicester include Nottingham, Birmingham, Derby, Loughborough, Beeston.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Leicester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Bristol to Leicester

Most Bristol to Leicester trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre

Bus16 · 7m · $5 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · $5 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · $5 · every ~22 min

Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services

Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.

MontpelierMontpelier station, Station Road, Montpelier, Bristol, City of, BS6 5EEParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Montpelier from Bristol city centre

Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus13 · 11m · $2 · every ~4 min
76, 75, 73 · 15m · $5 · every ~53 min

Montpelier train station facilities and services

Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Montpelier: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

RedlandRedland station, South Road, Redland, Bristol, City of, BS6 6QPParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Redland from Bristol city centre

Redland is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 11m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus72 · 6m · $5 · every ~8 min
72 · 12m · $5 · every ~8 min

Redland train station facilities and services

Redland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Redland.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Redland: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Redland: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Redland: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free - Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

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