Leicester to Watford train with East Midlands Railway

Sun, Sep 13
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Avanti West Coast
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West Midlands Trains
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
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Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13

Cheapest price on Sep 13

$71

Average ticket price on Sep 13

$105

Fastest journey on Sep 13

2 h 7 m

Average journey duration on Sep 13

2 h 16 m

Trains on Sep 13

16

Distance

120 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Watford will cost around $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leicester to Watford without transferring at least once.

  • East Midlands RailwayW70833+ThameslinkX05585+West Midlands TrainsW11102+London OvergroundL22389
    8:29 AM2h49
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:18 AMWatford High Street (WFH)
    $711One-way
    3 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70737+ThameslinkX05504+West Midlands TrainsW11114
    10:45 AM2h13
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:58 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)
    $711One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70833+ThameslinkX05585+West Midlands TrainsW11102
    8:29 AM2h29
    Leicester station (LEI)
    10:58 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)
    $711One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70833+ThameslinkX05585+London OvergroundL22389+West Midlands TrainsW11102
    8:29 AM2h51
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:20 AMBushey (BSH)
    $711One-way
    3 transfers
  • CrossCountryG66934+West Midlands TrainsC17882
    10:20 AM2h07
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:27 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)
    $1031One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train for Leicester to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $141 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $141, while a train costs an average of $141.

Distance: 74 miles (120 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

$141

Average price

Cheapest

$33

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 44m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Watford is a train with an average price of $141.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 40m.
Yes, you can take a train between Leicester and Watford.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Watford 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 4m sooner (1h 40m by train vs 1h 44m by car). Tickets start at around $141 compared to roughly $33 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 Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Watford trains for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsC17934 · W70407+CrossCountryG66962
Delayed
5:11 PM 5:18 PMLeicester station (LEI)
2h30
7:48 PM Bushey (BSH)
2 transfers
West Midlands TrainsC17934 · Y80904+CrossCountryG66962
Delayed
5:11 PM 5:18 PMLeicester station (LEI)
2h15
7:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)
2 transfers
West Midlands TrainsW11346+Avanti West CoastW33762+CrossCountryG00979
On time
5:50 PM Leicester station (LEI)
2h56
8:46 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW33588+CrossCountryG00983+London OvergroundL22537
Delayed
7:30 PM 7:50 PMLeicester station (LEI)
4h21
12:11 AM Watford High Street (WFH)
2 transfers
West Midlands TrainsC18006+CrossCountryG00983+London OvergroundL225377:50 PM Leicester station (LEI)
4h21
12:11 AM Watford High Street (WFH)2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW33588+CrossCountryG00983+London OvergroundL22537
Delayed
7:30 PM 7:50 PMLeicester station (LEI)
4h23
12:13 AM Bushey (BSH)
2 transfers
West Midlands TrainsC18006+CrossCountryG00983+London OvergroundL225377:50 PM Leicester station (LEI)
4h23
12:13 AM Bushey (BSH)2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW33588+CrossCountryG00983
Delayed
7:30 PM 7:50 PMLeicester station (LEI)
1h39
9:29 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayC21531 · C04282+West Midlands Trainsdarwin_rsid+ThameslinkC026938:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
3h28
12:11 AM Watford High Street (WFH)4 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21531 · C04282+West Midlands Trainsdarwin_rsid+London OvergroundL22537
On time
8:43 PM Leicester station (LEI)
3h30
12:13 AM Bushey (BSH)
4 transfers
West Midlands TrainsW11364 · P69533+CrossCountryG00986
Delayed
8:37 PM 8:50 PMLeicester station (LEI)
3h03
11:53 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)
2 transfers
Sunday, September 13
East Midlands RailwayW70833+West Midlands TrainsW11102+London OvergroundL22389+ThameslinkX055858:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h49
11:18 AM Watford High Street (WFH)3 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70833+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+London OvergroundC342058:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h57
11:26 AM Bushey (BSH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70833+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+London OvergroundC342058:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h59
11:28 AM Watford High Street (WFH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70833+West Midlands TrainsW11102+ThameslinkX055858:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h29
10:58 AM Watford Junction (WFJ)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70833+West Midlands TrainsW11102+ThameslinkX05585+London OvergroundL223898:29 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h51
11:20 AM Bushey (BSH)3 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21881+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+West Midlands TrainsL122988:53 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h48
11:41 AM Bushey (BSH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21881+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+London OvergroundP025118:53 AM Leicester station (LEI)
3h05
11:58 AM Watford High Street (WFH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21857+West Midlands TrainsW11108+ThameslinkX055839:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h31
11:58 AM Watford Junction (WFJ)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21857+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+London OvergroundC342339:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
3h01
12:28 PM Watford High Street (WFH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21857+West Midlands TrainsW70575+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston9:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h46
12:13 PM Bushey (BSH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21857+West Midlands TrainsW11108+London OvergroundP02430+ThameslinkX055839:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h53
12:20 PM Bushey (BSH)3 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21857+West Midlands TrainsW11108+London OvergroundP02430+ThameslinkX055839:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h51
12:18 PM Watford High Street (WFH)3 transfers
West Midlands TrainsC17882+CrossCountryG6693410:20 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h07
12:27 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)1 transfer
West Midlands TrainsC17882 · W70281+CrossCountryG6693410:20 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h19
12:39 PM Bushey (BSH)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70737+West Midlands TrainsW11114+ThameslinkX0550410:45 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h13
12:58 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)2 transfers
West Midlands TrainsC17879 · Y80804+CrossCountryG0104811:20 AM Leicester station (LEI)
2h14
1:34 PM Watford Junction (WFJ)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Watford by train

Compare 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.

Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19

Why should you book Leicester to Watford trains with Omio?

West Midlands Trains as well as East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Leicester to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Watford.

Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Watford.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Watford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Watford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 74 miles (120 km) distance in 1h 23m.

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
74 miles (120 km)
Average train duration
1h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$44
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
1h 23m
First train
12:13 AM
Last train
10:52 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
3 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

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains from Leicester to Watford trainsEast Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Leicester and Watford from $44. 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 East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 23m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
$54
East Midlands Railway frequency
11 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
$44
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

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

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Major film attraction at Warner Bros. Studios with sets, props, and behind-the-scenes exhibits from the Harry Potter films.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Compact local museum covering Watford's people, industry, art, and football heritage in a historic former brewery setting.

  • Recommended

Little Cassiobury House

Elegant Jacobean house with period rooms, exhibitions, and gardens, offering a strong sense of Hertfordshire country-house history.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for UK trips: hotels and rail can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; if not, round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes and pubs: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Leicester to Watford

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leicester to Watford can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44, while the average price is around $141.
The train from Leicester to Watford takes 1h 23m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Leicester to Watford is 74 miles (120 km).
The first train from Leicester to Watford leaves at 12:13 AM.
The last train from Leicester to Watford leaves at 10:52 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Leicester to Watford.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leicester to Watford.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Watford is Leicester station (LEI), which connects to Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Watford is by train, with a cost of around $44.
The train journey from Leicester to Watford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside and glimpses of small towns along the way.
A day trip from Leicester to Watford is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 23m. Trains run 16 times per day over a distance of 74 miles (120 km).
In Watford, you can enjoy performances at the historic Watford Palace Theatre and community events at the Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. For shopping and entertainment, visit Intu Watford. Experience fun golfing at Topgolf Watford or explore nature at Rickmansworth Aquadrome. Discover local history at Watford Museum and the enchanting world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Relax at Cassiobury Park, stroll through the gardens at Cheslyn House, or indulge at the luxurious Grove hotel and estate.
To explore Watford's main attractions, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Cassiobury Park, a stay of 1 to 2 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Watford.
Since neither Leicester nor Watford 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 Watford include London, Kings Langley, Birmingham, Hemel Hempstead, Coventry.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Watford 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 Watford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the town center and around public transport hubs. Common scams include bogus ticket sellers and unofficial taxi services, so it's advised to book transportation through trusted providers. Staying alert in busy spots and using official channels for tickets and rides helps ensure a safe 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 Leicester to Watford

Most Leicester to Watford trains use the Leicester to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Watford 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 Watford

Which Leicester station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Watford leave from Leicester. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
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.

More options for your journey from Leicester to Watford

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