- 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 17
$49
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$98
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 h 10 m
Trains on Sep 17
11
Distance
147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Leicester will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
It's difficult to get from York to Leicester without transferring at least once.
C02015+
G00966
L01624+
G00959
L01628+
G00964
C02042+
G00960
C02002+
W84673+
W70793
G01184+
W70799
G01180+
C21659
G01148+
W70802
W29873+
W70796
W29868+
C21654Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a train costs an average of $70.
Distance: 91 miles (147 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 York to Leicester:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Leicester costing on average $70.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 45m.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (2h 4m by train vs 2h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $70 compared to roughly $39 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 York to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L01624+ G00959 | 8:27 AM York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 10:49 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29862+ W70784 | 8:41 AM York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 11:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02042+ G00960 | 8:56 AM York station (YRK) | 2h53 | 11:49 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01180+ C21659 | 9:36 AM York station (YRK) | 1h54 | 11:30 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ C21654 | 9:42 AM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 12:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02002+ W70793+ W84673 | 9:55 AM York station (YRK) | 2h35 | 12:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
L01628+ G00964 | 10:27 AM York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 12:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W29873+ W70796 | 10:42 AM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 1:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C02015+ G00966 | 10:56 AM York station (YRK) | 2h53 | 1:49 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01184+ W70799 | On time 11:36 AM York station (YRK) | 1h52 | 1:28 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01148+ W70802 | On time 11:42 AM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 2:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 York to Leicester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 but you can travel from only $17 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:29, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (147 km) distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 91 miles (147 km) |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 1:29 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 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 York 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 York to Leicester trains use the York to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need