- 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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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Rochdale to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rochdale to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, while a train costs an average of $72.
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m 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 Rochdale to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $36.
This is compared to other travel options from Rochdale to Leicester:
A bus is $36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rochdale to Leicester costing on average $72.
The fastest way to travel from Rochdale to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 32m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rochdale and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Rochdale 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 $72 compared to roughly $37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.17. The journey takes 2h 32m versus 2h 24m 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
Rochdale to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Rochdale to Leicester trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:35 AM Rochdale | 2h35 | 11:10 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 9:47 AM Rochdale | 3h16 | 1:03 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rochdale to Leicester by bus or train
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.
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Why should you book Rochdale to Leicester trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Rochdale to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rochdale to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Rochdale 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rochdale to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Rochdale to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Rochdale to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rochdale to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Rochdale to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 but you can travel from only $13 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (129 km) distance in 1h 42m.
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 $13
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 42m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 11:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13
Train companies: Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast from Rochdale to Leicester trainsNorthern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Rochdale and Leicester from $13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
$44
Northern Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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
2h 6m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
$64
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 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
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
1h 42m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$88
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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 Rochdale to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rochdale 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 Rochdale to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44, while the average price is around $72.
The train from Rochdale to Leicester takes 1h 42m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Rochdale to Leicester is 80 miles (129 km).
The first train from Rochdale to Leicester leaves at 5:48 AM.
The last train from Rochdale to Leicester leaves at 11:37 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Rochdale to Leicester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Rochdale to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Rochdale to Leicester.
The train station in Rochdale that goes to Leicester is Rochdale station (RCD), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Rochdale to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around $13.
The train journey from Rochdale to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the Pennines and the rolling countryside of the East Midlands, making it moderately scenic.
A day trip from Rochdale to Leicester is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 42m. There are 2 trains per day covering a distance of 80 miles (129 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 Rochdale to Leicester.
Since neither Rochdale 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 Rochdale 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 Rochdale to Leicester
Most Rochdale to Leicester trains use the Rochdale to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Rochdale and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Rochdale
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Rochdale station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Rochdale to Leicester leave from Rochdale. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Rochdale city centre at Rochdale station, Station Road, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL11 1DR.
RochdaleRochdale station, Station Road, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL11 1DR
City-centre transport
Getting to Rochdale from Rochdale city centre
TramPink Line, Rochdale Line Replacement Bus · 4m · $2 · every ~17 min
Rochdale train station facilities and services
Rochdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rochdale.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rochdale.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rochdale: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rochdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to the station and platforms via lifts, which are available during station staffing hours, 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Rochdale arrive at?
Trains from Rochdale to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 0 miles (1 km) from Leicester city centre.
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 Rochdale
More options for your journey from Rochdale to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Rochdale
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