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Outbound fromLeicester to Manchester Piccadilly by train
It takes an average of 3h 34m to travel from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly by train, over a distance of around 74 miles (120 km). There are normally 102 trains per day travelling from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly and tickets for this journey start from £9.70 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 02:00 | |
| Departure station | Leicester | |
| Arrival station | Manchester Piccadilly | |
| Journey time | From 1h 42m | |
| Distance | 74 miles (120 km) | |
| Frequency | 102 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £9.70 | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales |
Travelling by train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly
Thinking about taking the train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly by train? You've come to the right place!
The train from Leicester to Manchester usually takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes but can take just 1 hour and 55 minutes on the fastest services. There are no direct services on this route, so you'll have to make one quick change along the way, usually in Sheffield or Birmingham.
The quickest routes involve a change at Sheffield, first on an East Midlands Railway (EMR) from Leicester, then a TransPennine Express or Northern service at Sheffield onto Manchester. The other option is to hop on a CrossCountry service from Leicester to Birmingham, then change there to head up to Manchester instead. Whichever train you travel on, you'll enjoy free WiFi and comfortable seating as standard.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly with us today. Keep reading for more information, including FAQs about the journey and money-saving tips like using a Railcard or travelling Off-Peak.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly take?
The average journey time by train between Leicester and Manchester Piccadilly is 3 hours and 34 minutes, with around 102 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Leicester and Manchester Piccadilly by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is 1 hour and 42 minutes.
How much does the train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly cost?
Train ticket prices from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly can start from as little as £9.70 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, there are no direct train services from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly. Travelling from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly leave?
The first train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly leaves at 04:48. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly leave?
The last train from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly leaves at 02:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Leicester and Manchester Piccadilly by train?
Trains travelling from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly cover a distance of around 74 miles (120 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Leicester.
Cheap train tickets from Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Leicester to Manchester Piccadilly is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.