Trains to Leicester

Leicester, the East Midlands' largest city, is 90 miles (140 km) northwest of London and 33 miles (53 km) northeast of Birmingham. Leicester’s rail network is increasingly important, offering connections to major cities such as London, Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Peterborough, and Lincoln. These connections make travel to and from Leicester more convenient for passengers. For seamless journeys, explore the following three key routes to Leicester.

London to Leicester

Frequent high-speed trains from London St Pancras International to Leicester, operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR), usually take 1 hour and 18 minutes with the cheapest fare of £13.60.

Birmingham to Leicester

Direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Leicester offer the fastest journey time of around 48 minutes and most trains provide services including free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and ample luggage storage.

Coventry to Leicester

Regular train services from Coventry to Leicester, operated by CrossCountry, typically take just 54 minutes with 34 daily trains departing from Coventry.

Leicester boasts three key train stations: Leicester Station, the busiest station in the city, offering connections south to London, north to Derby, east to Peterborough, and west to Birmingham New Street; South Wigston Station, providing regular services to Leicester and Birmingham New Street; Syston Station, operated by East Midlands Railway, with routes to Leicester and Lincoln.

Leicester station

Leicester Railway Station, one of the first cities to be served by a railway, is the mainline station in the city of Leicester. As the busiest station in Leicester and the second busiest in the East Midlands, it offers extensive connections to major cities. The station connects to the south with Kettering, Bedford, Luton, and London, and to the north with Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, and Sheffield. Additionally, it provides eastward connections to Peterborough, Cambridge, and Stansted Airport, and westward connections to Nuneaton and Birmingham New Street.

From Leicester Station, you can easily access the city's landmarks and attractions. Just 0.6 miles away, the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, a Victorian museum with Ancient Egyptian and natural history collections, awaits your visit. Additionally, the King Richard III Visitor Centre offers interactive exhibits on King Richard III's life, death, and the discovery of his grave. There are also numerous other sights in Leicester worth exploring.

South Wigston station

South Wigston station is located on the Birmingham to Peterborough Line 4 miles (6 km) south of Leicester. It plays a significant role in the railway network, providing regular services to major destinations including Leicester and Birmingham New Street, making it an important hub for commuters and travelers.

After arriving at the South Wigston Station, you can take Woods Coaches to start an extensive day trip from the Leicester region to many of the top UK attractions. Additionally, you can explore nearby parks and gardens such as Knighton Park and Bouskell Park to experience the beauty of nature.

Syston station

Located on the Midland Main Line between Leicester and Loughborough, Syston Station serves the town of Syston. The station offers connections to numerous cities, including Leicester, Lincoln via Nottingham, and Grimsby Town, making it a convenient choice for passengers traveling to various destinations.

In Syston, there are many landmarks and attractions to explore. Just outside Syston Station, you can visit Watermead Country Park, known for its nature reserves and bird-watching opportunities. Additionally, the Syston Heritage Trail provides a fascinating journey through the town's rich history and landmarks. Leicester's renowned museums and galleries are within easy reach, offering a chance to appreciate diverse artworks.

East Midlands Airport lies between Loughborough, Derby, and Nottingham. Due to its central location within the UK, East Midlands Airport is a major hub for freight operations, ranking as the second-busiest UK airport for freight traffic. The airport is conveniently connected to other cities and towns via the nearby East Midlands Parkway Station. Trains to East Midlands Airport run from Leicester, with the shortest journey time of just 12 minutes. Additionally, there are rail connections from other cities such as Derby and Nottingham, ensuring easy access for passengers.

• Leicester to East Midlands Parkway station: Take direct trains to East Midlands Parkway station for about typically 20 minutes and then take the shuttle bus for approximately 10 minutes.
• Derby to East Midlands Parkway station: The fastest direct trains from Derby to East Midlands Parkway station take around 9 minutes.
• Nottingham to East Midlands Parkway station: Direct trains from Nottingham to East Midlands Parkway station take typically 15 minutes.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.