Leicester to London train with East Midlands Railway

Sun, Jul 12
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East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
east_midlands_trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to London

Showing times and prices for Jul 12

Cheapest price

$31

Average price

$57

Fastest journey

1 h 7 m

Average duration

1 h 7 m

Trains per day

36

Distance

143 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to London will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.

Fast trains

Of the 36 trains that leave Leicester for London on Sun, Jul 12, 36 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 143 km distance in an average of 1 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 7 m .

On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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.

  • East Midlands RailwayW70805
    8:59 PM1h09
    Leicester station (LEI)
    10:08 PMLondon St Pancras International (STP)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70738
    9:41 PM1h26
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:07 PMLondon St Pancras International (STP)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70702
    6:13 PM1h14
    Leicester station (LEI)
    7:27 PMLondon St Pancras International (STP)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70841
    9:36 PM1h28
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:04 PMLondon St Pancras International (STP)
    $361One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21668
    5:13 PM1h14
    Leicester station (LEI)
    6:27 PMLondon St Pancras International (STP)
    $431One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Leicester to London

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. 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 $7, and a train costs an average of $22.

Distance: 88 miles (143 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$78

Average price

$18

Average price

Cheapest

$55

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 45m

Average total duration

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 28m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

East Midlands Railway

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 Leicester to London is a bus with an average price of $18 (€15).

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

A bus is $59 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to London costing on average $78 (€64).

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to London is by train with an average journey time of 2h 9m.

Other travel options to London take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and London including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to London among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 19m sooner (2h 9m by train vs 2h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $78 (€64) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Leicester to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to London trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayW708338:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h22
9:51 AM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC218818:53 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h26
10:19 AM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC218579:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h23
10:50 AM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC218569:57 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h26
11:23 AM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW7084010:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h23
11:50 AM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW7073710:45 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h22
12:07 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC2169111:43 AM Leicester station (LEI)
1h11
12:54 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC2167712:00 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
1:08 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC2169012:42 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h11
1:53 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC2167912:59 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
2:07 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW706781:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h11
2:54 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707681:59 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
3:07 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216612:32 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
3:40 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216862:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h13
3:56 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707742:59 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h10
4:09 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707773:32 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
4:40 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW706873:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h12
4:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707804:02 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h07
5:09 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707834:32 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
5:40 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW706934:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h12
5:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70786
On time
5:02 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h07
6:09 PM London St Pancras International (STP)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216685:13 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h14
6:27 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707895:32 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h08
6:40 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW706995:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h12
6:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707926:02 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h07
7:09 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707026:13 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h14
7:27 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216826:29 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h11
7:40 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216806:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h12
7:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216817:02 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h07
8:09 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC216857:13 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h14
8:27 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70709
On time
7:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h12
8:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW708017:59 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h09
9:08 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707138:32 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h23
9:55 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW708058:59 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h09
10:08 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW708419:36 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h28
11:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707389:41 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1h26
11:07 PM London St Pancras International (STP)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to London 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 London trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Leicester to London.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to London.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to London.
  • 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to London.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to London.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to London.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Leicester to London?

The best time to book your train from Leicester to London is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Leicester to London route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Leicester to London per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Leicester to London.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to London run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (143 km) distance in 1h 3m.

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 $7 (€6)
Distance
88 miles (143 km)
Average train duration
2h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$22 (€18)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
1h 3m
First train
12:12 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 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 $7 (€6)

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Leicester to London trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Leicester and London from $7 (€6). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 3m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
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

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Price
$82 (€68)
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 4m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€50)
east_midlands_trains frequency
25 a day

Complete guide to London

Things to do in London

Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.

  • Must visit

The British Museum

World-famous museum of human history, art, and archaeology, with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.

  • Must visit

The National Gallery

Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with an outstanding collection of European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries.

  • Must visit

Tate Modern

Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames, known for landmark exhibitions and river views.

Pound Sterling

London is costly by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or casual food.
Mid-range
GBP 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-5 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service charge of 12.5% is often added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10% for good service.

Traveling by train from Leicester to London

The train connection between Leicester and London is efficient and convenient, making it easy for travelers to explore the vibrant capital. The journey typically takes around 1 hour 10 minutes, with services provided by East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway, and Thameslink. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride while taking in scenic views of the English countryside along the way.

Train Connection: Leicester to London

The train connection from Leicester to London takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. There are about 50 connections per day, all of which are direct services. Passengers will depart from Leicester station and arrive at London St Pancras International.

Leicester to London Train Connection

The first daily train from Leicester to London departs at 05:10, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the capital. The last journey of the day leaves at 22:52, allowing late-night arrivals into one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

Train Tickets Price for Leicester to London

The cheapest ticket price for a train from Leicester to London is €32, while the average ticket price tends to be around €86.

Exploring London's Historic Landmarks

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood for over 1,000 years as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Its significance lies not only in its role as the home of the Crown Jewels but also in its rich tapestry of history that includes tales of intrigue and betrayal among England's monarchs. Unique features such as the iconic White Tower and the ravens that guard it add to its mystique—legend says if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.

Buckingham Palace serves as both an official residence for British royalty and a symbol of national pride; it's where significant state occasions take place. The Changing of the Guard ceremony draws millions each year who are captivated by this time-honored tradition showcasing British pageantry at its finest. With 775 rooms including lavish gardens open to visitors during summer months, Buckingham Palace offers an unparalleled glimpse into royal life.

The British Museum is one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to human history and culture with collections spanning over two million years from every corner of our planet. It holds immense significance due to artifacts like the Rosetta Stone which have shaped our understanding across civilizations through time. What sets it apart is not just its vast collection but also free admission—a commitment to making knowledge accessible while inspiring curiosity about humanity’s shared heritage.

FAQs: Trains from Leicester to London

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leicester to London can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $22 (€18), while the average price is around $78 (€64).
The train from Leicester to London takes 1h 3m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Leicester to London leaves at 12:12 AM.
The distance by train from Leicester to London is 88 miles (143 km).
The last train from Leicester to London leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Leicester to London.
Yes, there is a direct train from Leicester to London. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leicester to London.
The train station in Leicester that goes to London is Leicester station (LEI), which connects to London St Pancras International (STP).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to London is by bus, with a cost of around $7 (€6).
The Leicester to London train journey offers a mix of urban and rural views, including glimpses of the English countryside, small towns, and historical landmarks. While not considered the most scenic in the UK, it provides pleasant and varied landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Leicester to London is feasible with a travel time of 1h 3m and a distance of 88 miles (143 km). Trains run frequently with 8 trips per day.
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from The London Eye, visit the vibrant West End Theatre District for high-quality shows, and explore Camden Market's eclectic mix of food, fashion, and crafts. A walk through Hyde Park offers beautiful landscapes and recreational activities, while art lovers can visit the Tate Modern. Don't miss The British Museum's vast collection of art and antiquities, the historic Tower of London with its Crown Jewels, and Buckingham Palace. Iconic landmarks like The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, along with St. Paul's Cathedral, offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture.
For a comprehensive experience of London's top attractions, cultural sites, and local neighborhoods, it is recommended to spend around 3 to 5 days in the city. This allows time to explore major landmarks such as the British Museum, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, as well as enjoy local markets and parks.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to London.
Since neither Leicester nor London 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 London include Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Stevenage, Canterbury.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to London 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 London, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include fake charity collectors, overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers, and distraction techniques used by thieves. Always use official black cabs or licensed minicabs booked through reputable apps, and keep personal belongings secure to reduce risks. Staying vigilant in busy locations and avoiding unsolicited offers 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.

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