- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
€109
Average price
€120
Fastest journey
2 h 9 m
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
177 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester will cost around €120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €109.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester without transferring at least once.
C21643+
W455359:36 AM2h09Gatwick Airport (GTW)11:45 AMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer- W70964+W328759:19 AM2h17Gatwick Airport (GTW)11:36 AMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- W70967+W328959:49 AM2h16Gatwick Airport (GTW)12:05 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- W70874+W4554811:06 AM2h11Gatwick Airport (GTW)1:17 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- C21652+W4537510:06 AM2h11Gatwick Airport (GTW)12:17 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- C21643+W455359:36 AM2h09Gatwick Airport (GTW)11:45 AMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- C21657+W4555310:36 AM2h09Gatwick Airport (GTW)12:45 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- W70861+W454038:36 AM2h10Gatwick Airport (GTW)10:46 AMLeicester station (LEI)€1511One-way1 transfer
- W70874+W4554811:06 AM2h11Gatwick Airport (GTW)1:17 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
- C21652+W4537510:06 AM2h11Gatwick Airport (GTW)12:17 PMLeicester station (LEI)€1091One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, and a train costs an average of €26.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€59 Average price | €14 Average price Cheapest | €46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is a bus with an average price of €14.
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester:
A bus is €45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester costing on average €59.
The fastest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 19m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester 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 30m sooner (2h 19m by train vs 2h 49m by car). Tickets start at around €59 compared to roughly €46 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
London Gatwick Airport to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W70858+W45602 | Delayed 8:05 AM 8:06 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h14 | 10:20 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W45403+W70861 | On time 8:36 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h10 | 10:46 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W70961+W32906 | Delayed 9:02 AM 8:49 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h16 | 11:05 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W45413+C21645 | On time 9:06 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h11 | 11:17 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W70964+W32875 | Delayed 9:32 AM 9:19 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h17 | 11:36 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| C21643+W45535 | Delayed 9:35 AM 9:36 AMGatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h09 | 11:45 AM 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
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 to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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 Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:19, the last at 21:06. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 2h 9m.
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 €9
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average train duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 4:19 AM |
Last train 9:06 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 €9
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Leicester from €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 9m
Cheapest Price
€26
East Midlands Railway frequency
9 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
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 24m
Cheapest Price
€84
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
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
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
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.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most Leicester buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; tap or buy tickets in the official app before boarding.
- Leicester has no tram or metro system, so local public transport is mainly by bus operated by companies such as First Bus and Arriva.
FAQs: Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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.
Train ticket prices from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €26, while the average price is around €59.
The train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester takes 2h 9m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is 109 miles (177 km).
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester leaves at 4:19 AM.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester leaves at 9:06 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
There is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around €9.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. You'll pass through the bustling city of London, then through the picturesque countryside of the Midlands, providing a pleasant and varied visual experience.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 9m. However, trains run frequently with a schedule of 10 trips per day. The distance covered is 109 miles (177 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester.
Since neither London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Most London Gatwick Airport to Leicester trains use the London St Pancras International to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Leicester
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
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 train connections from London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and London Gatwick Airport
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