- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 36 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Leicester will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Leicester without transferring at least once.
C04357 · W70802
C04359 · C21655
C04363 · W70812
C04365 · W70816
C04347 · W70784
W33902+
G00812
W34097+
G00814
W33925+
G00818
W33886+
G00821
C01289+
G00824Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester 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 3m. 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 $9, and a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Leicester:
A bus is $31 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Leicester costing on average $51 (€42).
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (2h 3m by train vs 2h 19m by car). Tickets start at around $51 (€42) compared to roughly $32 (€26) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Leicester trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34104+ G00806 | Delayed 7:34 AM 8:34 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h39 | 10:13 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W34097+ G00814 | Delayed 10:33 AM 11:34 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h36 | 1:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29877 · G66638 | On time 12:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 2:51 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01022 · G00821 | On time 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h45 | 3:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
W34104+ G00806 | 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h39 | 10:13 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C04347 · W70784 | 8:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h20 | 11:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01144 · G66627 | 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 11:51 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W33893+ G00808 | 9:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h37 | 11:11 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C04350 · C21654 | 9:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h20 | 12:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29866 · G00789 | 10:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h47 | 12:50 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01013 · G00814 | 10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h45 | 1:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W33902+ G00812 | 10:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h36 | 12:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29871 · G00793 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 1:52 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W34097+ G00814 | 11:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h36 | 1:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C04357 · W70802 | 11:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h20 | 2:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Leicester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $9 (€8) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 2h 8m.
Distance 73 miles (119 km) |
Average train duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
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.
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.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

Most Manchester to Leicester trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
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.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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