If you're looking for train tickets to Leicester, look no further. Secure cheap East Midlands Railway (EMR) and CrossCountry tickets by booking in advance. Download our app to take advantage of our SplitSave feature, which will look for opportunities to split your ticket to Leicester - saving money without you having to lift a finger.
Leicester has been an important city since Roman times and retains its historic roots today. Combined with the nearby green spaces of the National Forest and a multicultural community, Leicester can be considered as one of the great cities of 21st century Britain. Cultured, ancient and diverse, it's a city whose streets are full of secrets to discover, from South Asian and Afro-Caribbean restaurants to quirky independent shops to internationally regarded universities.
How to find cheap train tickets to Leicester
There's a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Leicester to help you save money and explore the city. Whether you are getting a train to Leicester for work or leisure, our Journey Planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Leicester:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Leicester in advance: East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you could save 1/3.
1. Get a Railcard
The first way you can get your hands on cheaper train tickets to Leicester is by using a National Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do in the city. To see the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy one online, check out our Railcards page.
2. Book tickets to Leicester in advance
Another way to save money on train tickets to Leicester is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the more you will benefit from cheap fares to Leicester. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops or a night out with friends penciled in the calendar, simply look out for the “Advance ticket” type when you search for tickets using our Journey Planner or sign up to our Ticket alert to find out as soon as your tickets go on sale. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
You could also travel at Off-Peak periods (try buying return train tickets too instead of two singles) as it's usually cheaper than Peak times (Monday to Friday rush hours). To find out more, visit our types of train tickets page and see useful ways to get the best value train fares.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
Catch the train with 3-9 friends and benefit from a GroupSave discount of up to 1/3! Perfect if you’re going on a family trip or heading to Leicester with friends.
Want even more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
Why not try First Class?
Did you know you can travel First Class without breaking the bank? That’s right! You can knock the pounds off even the most expensive of train tickets when you book through us and make use of our top tips for saving money on your rail fares.
Try searching for First Class tickets during Off-Peak hours in our Journey Planner right now! And don’t forget, if you don’t already have our app, make sure to download it. You’ll be able to buy digital tickets while on the go and take a big deal of the stress out of travelling. Whether you want to travel like a rock star or treat that special someone to a First Class experience, we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about First Class train tickets, including what awaits you on board.
Popular train journeys to Leicester
It's easy to travel to Leicester by train from all over the UK, including direct routes from some of the country's biggest cities like London, Nottingham and Birmingham. Most trains to Leicester arrive into the city's main railway station, Leicester station. We've highlighted some of the most popular routes below, or you can start your search from any UK destination in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Leicester | 1h 37m | East Midlands Railway |
| Birmingham to Leicester | 54m | CrossCountry |
| Lincoln to Leicester | 1h 46m | East Midlands Railway |
| Market Harborough to Leicester | 16m | East Midlands Railway |
| Corby to Leicester | 42m | East Midlands Railway |
| Kettering to Leicester | 33m | East Midlands Railway |
| Nottingham to Leicester | 36m | East Midlands Railway |
| Oakham to Leicester | 29m | CrossCountry |
| Sileby to Leicester | 16m | East Midlands Railway |
| Melton Mowbray to Leicester | 18m | CrossCountry |
| Chesterfield to Leicester | 55m | East Midlands Railway |
| Norwich to Leicester | 4h 11m | CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway |
Visiting Leicester
Start your visit with an archaeological detective story that rivals any Agatha Christie novel. Leicester made headlines in 2013 when academics from its university found the remains of King Richard III. The former king is now buried in Leicester Cathedral, and a purpose-built Visitor Centre explains more about his life, his death and the fascinating bid to locate and recover his body.
History fans will also want to visit the medieval Castle Park area, which is home to a statue of King Richard III, and Bosworth Battlefield, the site of the pivotal battle in which he lost his life. You can go even further back in time at the Jewry Wall Museum, which hosts one of the largest pieces of Roman architecture in Britain, and has artefacts dating back to the Iron Age. And since this is a city where the past and the future collide, you can follow that up with a visit to the National Space Centre, with its model rockets and interactive displays.
For sports fans, Leicester has two great teams. Leicester FC plays at The Gallery, a modern riverside stadium about a mile south of the station. On the way to the ground, you'll pass Welford Road Stadium, home to rugby union team Leicester Tigers.
Planning a day trip from Leicester? Check out our dedicated guide to 10 of the best day trips from Leicester.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Leicester?
The main train station in Leicester is Leicester station, which is located south-east of the city centre.
Which train companies run trains to Leicester?
The main train company that runs services to and from Leicester station is East Midlands Railway.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Leicester?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Leicester. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can.
Are trains running to Leicester?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Leicester, although there may be fewer services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Leicester.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Leicester?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Leicester, these include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.