Leicester to Birmingham New Street Trains From £8.60*

CrossCountry will take you from Leicester to Birmingham New Street by train in just 48 minutes. With a twice-hourly service, you can be flexible about your travel plans, too.

On your journey, as the built-up area of Leicester moves behind you, there'll be plenty of countryside and farmland to enjoy from your window seat. Slowly, the East Midlands gives way to the West Midlands and the bustle of activity picks up as you reach the bright lights of Birmingham, one of the biggest cities in the country.

This route is operated by CrossCountry. As their name indicates, they are responsible for much of the rail traffic heading north from the South West of England. They run high-speed trains that are modern and comfortable, ensuring an easy journey on the Leicester to Birmingham New Street train route.

Departing from Leicester

Leicester Station is located right in the heart of the city centre. The main entrance can be found on the major A6 road. The city's extensive bus network offers several options to reach the station, which also offers secure cycle parking for 222 bikes.

From Leicester, it's possible to reach many other destinations, either directly or with a simple change. East Midlands Railway operates the mainline London-Sheffield route and also runs the station itself. That route also stops at Derby and offers connections to both East Midlands Airport and London Luton Airport. Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport are reachable on a direct CrossCountry service.

Main stops

There are several stops on the line from Leicester to Birmingham New Street. Different services will stop at different stations. The fastest services will call at Nuneaton and Coleshill Parkway, whereas slower ones may stop at South Wigston (though only a small number of services stop here), Narborough, Hinckley (Leics), Nuneaton, Coleshill Parkway and Water Orton.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

When you take the Leicester to Birmingham New Street train, you'll arrive at Birmingham New Street Station. It's the largest of the three main stations in the city and the busiest outside London. There is a grand staircase entrance at the junction between Station Street and Hill Street, but step-free access is available just around the corner. Local buses serve the station from across the city. To get to the station via the West Midlands Metro tram system, you'll need to jump off at the Grand Central stop (which is named after the adjacent shopping centre).

Many big destinations are accessible directly from Birmingham New Street. Avanti West Coast runs frequent trains to London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, with other major stops en route. CrossCountry trains will take you to Manchester, Bristol, Plymouth, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Oxford, Leeds and Newcastle. West Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway and Transport for Wales provide services here, too.

Birmingham is the UK's second city, at the heart of the West Midlands. Whatever your interests, you'll find plenty to enjoy. There are shops to cover every taste, with multiple shopping centres and city centre high street names. The city is also home to some of the most iconic museums, venues, architecture and hotels in the country.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Passengers in Standard Class benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the train and a reserved seat if you buy cheap train tickets in advance.
• First Class: When you make the journey from Leicester to Birmingham New Street First Class, you'll upgrade your travel experience with roomier seating and USB/power sockets at each seat. There'll be complimentary snacks and drinks on selected services, too.

CrossCountry train travel advice

If you're making the trip from Leicester to Birmingham New Street and want to save money, check if you're eligible for any Railcard discounts. You could save a third off your off-peak fare! Meanwhile, we've pulled together some more useful info so you can get the best from your upcoming journey.

• Luggage: Bringing some suitcases? No problem - just stow them in the dedicated luggage racks, the overhead shelves or under the seat in front if they're smaller.
• Bicycles: If you're bringing a bike on board, make sure you book a cycle space, as they are limited.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel for free as long as they sit on your lap. Buggies can be stored in the usual luggage spaces.
• Pets: You can bring up to two pets. Dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier, and other animals will need to be in a carrier. If they take up a seat, you'll be charged extra.
• Passenger Assist: You can get assistance to allow you to make a journey if you require it. Staff will always aim to make your journey easier. Book it in advance if possible, either via phone or online.

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