The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Leicester
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
4 h 49 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
Of the 5 trains that leave Edinburgh for Leicester on Fri, Jun 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 392 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 49 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 19 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.
8:52 AM5h00Edinburgh1:52 PMLeicester$921One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM5h19Edinburgh1:49 PMLeicester$1141One-way0 transfers
7:00 AM4h49Edinburgh11:49 AMLeicester$1291One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM4h49Edinburgh12:49 PMLeicester$1341One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM5h19Edinburgh12:49 PMLeicester$1651One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM4h49Edinburgh12:49 PMLeicester$1341One-way0 transfers
7:00 AM4h49Edinburgh11:49 AMLeicester$1291One-way0 transfers
8:52 AM5h00Edinburgh1:52 PMLeicester$921One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM5h19Edinburgh1:49 PMLeicester$1141One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM5h19Edinburgh12:49 PMLeicester$1651One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $56.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Leicester:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Leicester costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Leicester costing on average $102 (€83).
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 41m.
Bus takes on average 8h 11m.
The journey is about 1h 10m faster (4h 41m by train vs 5h 51m by car) and roughly $43 (€35) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($102 (€83) vs $144 (€118)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G08180 · L01628+ G00964 | 8:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 12:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
W29873+ W70796 | 8:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h55 | 1:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02015+ G00966 | 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 1:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ G00793+ C17806 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 1:52 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G08186+ G01184+ W70799 | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h28 | 1:28 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01148+ W70802 | 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h58 | 2:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02006+ W70804+ W84686 | 9:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 2:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G80061+ G01186+ C21666 | 12:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h28 | 4:28 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G80061 · C01918+ G00974 | 12:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 4:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01154+ W70818 | 12:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h24 | 5:29 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02007+ G00977 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h19 | 5:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G80067+ W29937+ W70818 | 1:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h29 | 5:29 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01161+ W70820 | 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h59 | 6:04 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Leicester by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Edinburgh to Leicester trains with Omio?
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 London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Leicester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Leicester
Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 (€46) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 4h 49m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average train duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€46) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 12:25 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express from Edinburgh to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Leicester from $23 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Cross Country
TransPennine Express
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Leicester
Most Edinburgh to Leicester trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.
Getting to Slateford from Edinburgh city centre
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford train station facilities and services
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Slateford: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
Which Leicester station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
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