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London to Leicester from $11: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
London, United Kingdom
to
Leicester, United Kingdom

How to Get from London to Leicester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$11 RideshareBest price
144.8 kmDistance
1h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from London to Leicester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
East Midlands Railways
Train
Average Duration
1h  4m
Estimated price
$40-60
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
2h  14m
Estimated price
$11-21
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 144.8 km
Duration: 1h 4m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
2h  50m
Estimated price
$16-23
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  52m
Estimated price
$30-50

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $6 $6 $6 $6 $7 $7 $8
Train $24 $27 $24 $31 $38 $57 $27

Traveling From London to Leicester

Your journey from London to Leicester takes you from the bustling energy of the capital to the rich history and welcoming vibe of a vibrant, smaller city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Leicester

Leicester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Stoneygate
• Features beautiful Victorian architecture.
• Home to trendy cafes and boutique shops.
Highfields
• Known for its multicultural atmosphere.
• Offers vibrant street markets and diverse cuisine.
City Centre
• Hub for shopping and entertainment options.
• Close to historical landmarks and attractions.

Best Times To Visit Leicester's Attractions

Planning your trip around the right times can enhance your experience of Leicester's highlights.

Leicester Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a peaceful tour, avoiding peak visitor times.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Weekdays in the late morning offer a quieter atmosphere and more attentive staff.
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
Mornings during weekdays attract fewer visitors, allowing for a relaxed exploration.

Leicester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Leicester experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, making spring and early autumn the best times for visits. The weather can influence your travel plans, so being prepared for occasional rain will enhance your overall experience.

Dining Recommendation

Try the local delicacy, pork pies from the legendary Melton Mowbray Pie Shop, which showcase hearty flavors and a rustic charm distinct from London’s fine dining scene. The cozy atmosphere and commitment to local ingredients create a dining experience that connects you to Leicester’s rich culinary heritage.

London - Leicester operators

Explore transport companies operating between London and Leicester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Leicester

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$40-60
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from London Victoria to Leicester St Margarets bus station

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$16-23
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk/

Other from London to Leicestershire

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$11-21

London to Leicester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between London and Leicester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from London to Leicester, covering a distance of 165.8 km. In just under 2 hours, you'll cruise through picturesque English landscapes as you head towards your destination. 🛣️ Enjoy the flexibility of a road trip with prices ranging from £24 to £39 for the London to Leicester route.
Average price
£23 - £39
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the route from London to Leicester, you'll primarily use the M1 motorway; look out for petrol stations near major exits, with prices typically around £1.70 per liter, particularly at service areas like Northampton Services.
• In Leicester, parking prices vary by area, but city center parking typically costs between £8 to £15 for an all-day rate; be mindful of restricted traffic zones like the Highcross Shopping Centre area, which has access limits during busy hours.
• Upon arriving in Leicester, use the city’s excellent navigation tool, Leicester City Council's website, to find real-time parking availability, especially at key locations like the St. Nicholas Circle car park, which offers competitive rates and is centrally located for shopping and dining.
🚂 Catch a direct train from London St Pancras Intl to Leicester with East Midlands Railways. The journey typically lasts around 1 hour and 4 minutes, departing every 20 minutes daily. 🎟️ Ticket prices for this route range from £32 to £47, making it an affordable and convenient option for travelers heading to Leicester from London. 📍 Enjoy the swift 159 km journey by train from London to Leicester, provided by East Midlands Railways.
Departure Point
London St Pancras Intl station
Arrival Point
Leicester station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard, you will find catering services provided by East Midlands Railway, the primary operator on this route. Expect a range of snacks and drinks available for purchase, including hot and cold beverages, as well as light meals. If you're traveling first class, complimentary refreshments are often included.
• The trains from London to Leicester typically offer Standard Class and First Class seating. In Standard Class, you may choose from standard seats, including some with extra legroom, while First Class provides more spacious seating, power sockets, and a quieter environment. Check East Midlands Railway's website for seat availability and options before booking your ticket: eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk
• Two primary operators run services from London to Leicester: East Midlands Railway and Thameslink. You can find timetables and ticket information at their respective websites: eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk for East Midlands Railway and thameslinkrailway.com for Thameslink.
🚌 The journey from London to Leicester by bus is a convenient option, with services departing twice daily and taking approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. 🌆 Departing from London Victoria, travelers can enjoy a smooth ride with FlixBus towards Leicester St Margarets bus station, covering a distance of 135 km in about 1 hour and 50 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the bus between London and Leicester range from £13 to £18, offering an affordable and efficient mode of transportation for those looking to explore these two vibrant cities in the UK.
Departure Point
London Victoria station
Arrival Point
Leicester St Margarets bus station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your FlixBus (flixbus.com) tickets in advance to secure lower fares, as prices range from £12 to £17 depending on availability.
• Upon arrival at Leicester St Margarets bus station, take note of the information desk, which can assist with local transport options like bus services to the city center and help you navigate your onward journey.
• While on the bus, enjoy the scenic views of the English countryside; make sure to download any in-bus entertainment or read up about Leicester's attractions like the King Richard III Visitor Centre, as your travel time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes with a comfortable ride by FlixBus.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from London to Leicester.

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The distance between London and Leicester is approximately 144.8 km by road. The typical travel time by train from London to Leicester is around 1 hour and 3 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes about 1 hour and 47 minutes to reach London from Leicester, while the bus journey takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from London to Leicester is by train. It takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes to reach Leicester from London, and the cost ranges from £39 to £118. Another cost-effective option is ridesharing, which takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes and costs between £8 and £16.
The prices for train travel between London and Leicester can range from £39 to £118, depending on factors such as the class of service, time of travel, and how far in advance the tickets are purchased. On the other hand, bus prices for the Leicester to London route can fluctuate between £12 and £17.
To get from London to Leicester without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options. This could be a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between London and Leicester is approximately 160.9 km, and it takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes to drive. Keep in mind that the prices for carpooling services typically vary, ranging from £24 to £39.
The best way to travel from London to Leicester without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes and tickets can cost between £39 and £118.
Yes, there is a direct link between London and Leicester. You can take a train from London St Pancras Intl to Leicester, which takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. There are frequent services that operate every day. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Victoria Coach Station to St Margaret's Bus Station in Leicester, which takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Leicester. With over 505 hotels to choose from, travelers are sure to find something that suits their needs and budget. Prices for these hotels start at £44 per night.

Trips from London

Trips to Leicester