- 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 on Sep 18
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$96
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 51 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
205 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Leicester will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 trains from Portsmouth to Leicester, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 205 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 59 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a train costs an average of $137.
Distance: 127 miles (205 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Portsmouth to Leicester:
A bus is $99 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Leicester costing on average $137.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $137 compared to roughly $57 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-80.01. The journey takes 3h 15m versus 3h 9m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:50 AM Portsmouth | 3h58 | 8:48 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:19 AM Portsmouth | 3h47 | 1:06 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:51 AM Portsmouth | 3h45 | 1:36 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:19 AM Portsmouth | 3h47 | 2:06 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:37 AM Portsmouth | 3h59 | 2:36 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Portsmouth to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:17. The fastest train covers the 127 miles (205 km) distance in 2h 53m.
Distance 127 miles (205 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 9:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Leicester trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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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