- 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$26
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$36
Fastest journey on Sep 17
2 h 19 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 h 22 m
Trains on Sep 17
14
Distance
126 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Fast trains
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 14 trains from London Stansted Airport to Leicester, including 13 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 24 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.
G009907:25 PM2h24Stansted Airport (SSD)9:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers- G009886:30 PM2h19Stansted Airport (SSD)8:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers
- G009948:25 PM2h30Stansted Airport (SSD)10:55 PMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers
- G009598:28 AM2h21Stansted Airport (SSD)10:49 AMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
- G009742:25 PM2h24Stansted Airport (SSD)4:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
- G009886:30 PM2h19Stansted Airport (SSD)8:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers
- G009598:28 AM2h21Stansted Airport (SSD)10:49 AMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
- G009742:25 PM2h24Stansted Airport (SSD)4:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
- G0096611:25 AM2h24Stansted Airport (SSD)1:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
- G009773:25 PM2h24Stansted Airport (SSD)5:49 PMLeicester station (LEI)$351One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, while a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $41.
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Leicester:
A bus is $35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester costing on average $76.
The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $76 compared to roughly $36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.78. The journey takes 2h 10m versus 2h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G00959 | 8:28 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h21 | 10:49 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70964+ Tube from Seven Sisters to London St Pancras International+ L22622+ P66211 | 8:55 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h41 | 11:36 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 3 transfers | |
| G00960 | 9:25 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 11:49 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00964 | 10:25 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 12:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00966 | 11:25 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 1:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00969 | 12:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 2:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00973 | 1:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 3:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00974 | 2:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 4:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00977 | 3:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 5:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00982 | 4:24 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h25 | 6:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00984 | 5:24 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h25 | 7:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00988 | 6:30 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h19 | 8:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00990 | 7:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h24 | 9:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00994 | 8:25 PM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h30 | 10:55 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted 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.
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
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Sep 23
Sep 23
Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Leicester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, Cross Country, Greater Anglia and more offer trains services from London Stansted Airport to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Leicester.
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 East Midlands Railway, Cross Country or Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from London Stansted 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted 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 East Midlands Railway, Cross Country or Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Stansted Airport to Leicester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 15:24. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 56m.
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 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 5:18 AM |
Last train 3:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from London Stansted Airport to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between London Stansted Airport and Leicester from $19. 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 56m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
$39
East Midlands Railway frequency
5 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$19
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$150
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
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 Stansted Airport to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $19, while the average price is around $76.
The train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester takes 1h 56m and runs 10 per day.
The distance by train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester is 78 miles (126 km).
The first train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester leaves at 5:18 AM.
The last train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester leaves at 3:24 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train from London Stansted Airport to Leicester. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London Stansted Airport to Leicester.
The cheapest way to get from London Stansted Airport to Leicester is by train, with a cost of around $19.
The train journey from London Stansted Airport to Leicester is not particularly known for being scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas before reaching the more industrial and residential outskirts of Leicester.
A day trip from London Stansted Airport to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 56m. Trains run 11 times per day over a distance of 78 miles (126 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester.
Since neither London Stansted 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport to Leicester
Most London Stansted Airport to Leicester trains use the London St Pancras International to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and London Stansted Airport
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to LeicesterLondon Stansted Airport to Leicester train
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