Edinburgh to Leicester train with CrossCountry

Mon, May 25
+ Add return
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Leicester

Showing times and prices for May 25

Cheapest price

€89

Average price

€246

Fastest journey

4 h 59 m

Average duration

5 h 28 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

392 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester will cost around €246 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €89.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Leicester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Avanti West CoastW34268+CrossCountryG00795+West Midlands TrainsC18005
    4:52 PM4h59
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    9:51 PMLeicester station (LEI)
    891One-way
    2 transfers
  • London North Eastern RailwayG08170 · GR035200+East Midlands RailwayC21659+CrossCountryG01180
    5:37 AM5h53
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    11:30 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    1351One-way
    3 transfers
  • London North Eastern RailwayG08186 · GR034500+CrossCountryW29884+East Midlands RailwayW70810
    9:00 AM6h28
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    3:28 PMLeicester station (LEI)
    2281One-way
    3 transfers
  • London North Eastern RailwayG80073+CrossCountryXC103000 · G01166+East Midlands RailwayW70832
    2:00 PM6h31
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    8:31 PMLeicester station (LEI)
    2281One-way
    3 transfers
  • London North Eastern RailwayG80067+CrossCountryXC103100 · G01188+East Midlands RailwayC21656
    1:00 PM5h31
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    6:31 PMLeicester station (LEI)
    2281One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a train costs an average of €46.

Distance: 392 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€83

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€54

Average price

5h 11m

Average total duration

4h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 41m

Average total duration

8h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 27m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

1.2 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Leicester train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
London North Eastern RailwayG08170 · GR035200+CrossCountryG01180+East Midlands RailwayC216595:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
5h53
11:30 AM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
London North Eastern RailwayC01968 · GR035100+CrossCountryW29868+East Midlands RailwayW707935:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
6h40
12:30 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
CrossCountryXC103600 · G01184+London North Eastern RailwayG08180+East Midlands RailwayW707998:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
5h28
1:28 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
London North Eastern RailwayG08186 · GR034500+CrossCountryW29884+East Midlands RailwayW708109:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
6h28
3:28 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
CrossCountryXC103400 · G01153+London North Eastern RailwayG80049+East Midlands RailwayC2166610:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
6h28
4:28 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
CrossCountryXC103200 · W29937+London North Eastern RailwayG80061+East Midlands RailwayW7081812:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
5h29
5:29 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
CrossCountryXC103100 · G01188+East Midlands RailwayC21656+London North Eastern RailwayG800671:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
5h31
6:31 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
CrossCountryXC103000 · G01166+East Midlands RailwayW70832+London North Eastern RailwayG800732:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
6h31
8:31 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
London North Eastern RailwayC02070 · GR033100+CrossCountryG01170+East Midlands RailwayC215464:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
6h03
10:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34268+CrossCountryG00795+West Midlands TrainsC180054:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h59
9:51 PM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Leicester by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Mon
May 25
Tue
May 26
Wed
May 27
Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31

Why should you book Edinburgh to Leicester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Leicester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Leicester.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester?

The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Leicester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Leicester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Leicester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €46 but you can travel from only €19 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 392 km distance in 4h 49m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €19
Distance
392 km
Average train duration
4h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
€46
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
4h 49m
First train
12:25 AM
Last train
11:28 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €19

Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express from Edinburgh to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Leicester from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
€58
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest Price
€64
London North Eastern Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
€46
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
€185
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
13 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest Price
€325
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 23m
Cheapest Price
€223
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Leicester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester can start from as little as €46 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Edinburgh to Leicester is €83; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Edinburgh to Leicester is 4h 49m to travel the 392 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Edinburgh to Leicester leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Edinburgh to Leicester leaves at 11:28 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Edinburgh to Leicester which require at least one change with CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Edinburgh to Leicester, you can count on CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Edinburgh to Leicester is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Leicester including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Leicester

Edinburgh
Leicester
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
HaymarketWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
  • 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: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
SlatefordParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Slateford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Leicester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to LeicesterEdinburgh to Leicester train

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