Leicester to London Gatwick Airport train with East Midlands Railway

Thu, Jun 25
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East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
east_midlands_trains
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 Gatwick Airport

Showing times and prices for Jun 25

Cheapest price

$100

Average price

$173

Fastest journey

2 h 9 m

Average duration

2 h 11 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

177 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport 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 Gatwick Airport will cost around $173 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport without transferring at least once.

  • East Midlands RailwayC21667+SouthernG26295+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Victoria
    9:04 AM2h21
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:25 AMGatwick Airport (GTW)
    $1001One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70756+ThameslinkW45608 · W45610
    6:30 AM2h24
    Leicester station (LEI)
    8:54 AMGatwick Airport (GTW)
    $1181One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21675+SouthernC82810+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Victoria
    8:31 AM2h25
    Leicester station (LEI)
    10:56 AMGatwick Airport (GTW)
    $1601One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21663+ThameslinkW45402
    10:04 AM2h10
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:14 PMGatwick Airport (GTW)
    $1821One-way
    1 transfer
  • East Midlands RailwayC21684+ThameslinkW45524
    7:13 AM2h21
    Leicester station (LEI)
    9:34 AMGatwick Airport (GTW)
    $1821One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Leicester to London Gatwick Airport

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $32.

Distance: 109 miles (177 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$89

Average price

$16

Average price

Cheapest

$49

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 43m

Average total duration

4h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 36m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

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

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport is a bus with an average price of $16 (€13).

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

A bus is $72 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport costing on average $89 (€73).

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport is by train with an average journey time of 2h 34m.

Other travel options to London Gatwick Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 13m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and London Gatwick Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport 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 2m sooner (2h 34m by train vs 2h 36m by car). Tickets start at around $89 (€73) compared to roughly $49 (€41) 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.

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 Gatwick Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to London Gatwick Airport trains for today, Wednesday, June 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayW70750+ThameslinkW45468
On time
4:48 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h56
7:44 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayW70666+ThameslinkW45418
On time
5:47 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h17
8:04 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayW70753+ThameslinkW45427
On time
6:05 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h09
8:14 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayC21689+ThameslinkW45522
On time
6:10 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h24
8:34 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayW70756+ThameslinkW45608 · W45610
On time
6:30 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h24
8:54 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70756+ThameslinkG28268
On time
6:30 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h14
8:44 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW)
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to London Gatwick Airport 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.

Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01

Why should you book Leicester to London Gatwick Airport trains with Omio?

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

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 Gatwick Airport.
  • 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 Gatwick Airport.

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 Gatwick Airport.
  • 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 Gatwick Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $10 (€9) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 19:43. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 2h 10m.

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 $10 (€9)
Distance
109 miles (177 km)
Average train duration
2h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 10m
First train
3:48 AM
Last train
7:43 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 $10 (€9)

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Leicester and London Gatwick Airport from $10 (€9). 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
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
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
3h 21m
Cheapest Price
$132 (€109)
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 59m
Cheapest Price
$97 (€80)
east_midlands_trains frequency
25 a day

Complete guide to London Gatwick Airport

Things to do in London Gatwick Airport

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

  • Recommended

Gatwick Aviation Museum

Volunteer-run museum near the airport with British aircraft, cockpits, and aviation exhibits. A good specialist stop for plane enthusiasts during a layover or airport-area stay.

  • Recommended

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery

Museum and gallery in a historic building with archaeology, local history, and changing art displays. A pleasant regional culture stop within reach of Gatwick.

  • Recommended

The Lightbox

Contemporary gallery and museum space in Woking with rotating exhibitions and local collections. Farther from Gatwick but well regarded for modern programming.

Pound Sterling

Airport prices are higher than in town. Coffee, snacks, and sit-down meals cost noticeably more than city averages.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-12 for fast food or a snack.
Mid-range
GBP 15-25 per person.
Fine dining
GBP 35+ per person.
Coffee
GBP 3-5 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included only at sit-down restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. No tip needed for fast food or coffee; round up taxis if you wish.

FAQs: Trains from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $89 (€73).
The train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport takes 2h 10m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport leaves at 3:48 AM.
The distance by train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport is 109 miles (177 km).
The last train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport leaves at 7:43 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€9).
The train journey from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport primarily travels through urban and suburban areas, offering views of the English countryside and towns, but it is not typically considered a particularly scenic route.
A day trip from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 10m and covers 109 miles (177 km). Trains run 8 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport.
Since neither Leicester nor London Gatwick Airport 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 Gatwick Airport include London, Brighton, Southampton, Haywards Heath, Guildford.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to London Gatwick Airport 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.
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 Leicester to London Gatwick Airport

Most Leicester to London Gatwick Airport trains use the Leicester to London St Pancras International station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and London Gatwick Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in London
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · $2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · $2 · every ~14 min

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 trains to and from London Gatwick Airport and Leicester

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