Woodford Green
Woodford Green
Leicester
Leicester
Train Driving

Woodford Green to Leicester

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Woodford Green to Leicester covers approximately 160 km. You will typically travel via the Central Line to London Liverpool Street or Stratford, then transfer to London St Pancras International. From St Pancras, East Midlands Railway provides direct high-speed services to Leicester. The total travel time is usually around 2 hours depending on connection efficiency. This route is a primary artery connecting North East London to the East Midlands.

Total Distance: 160 km driving distance, 145 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Train, 2 hours, via the high-speed connection from St Pancras.
Cheapest Way
Train, 30 GBP, if booked as an Advance ticket at least 4 weeks prior.
Compare Woodford Green to Leicester Routes
Train
Connecting
Driving
Direct
Duration 2 hours 2 hours 30 mins
Avg Price 30-80 GBP 25-40 GBP fuel
Operator East Midlands Railway N/A
Route Central Line to St Pancras, then EMR to Leicester Station. M11 and M1 motorway via Northampton.
Tip Book tickets in advance via the EMR website to secure cheaper Advance fares. Avoid the M1 during peak rush hours near Luton to prevent significant delays.
Travel Tips
  • Railcard
    Use a Network Railcard to save one-third on off-peak fares.
  • Station Access
    Woodford station is on the Central Line; ensure you check TFL status before departing.
  • St Pancras
    Arrive 20 minutes early to navigate the busy St Pancras International concourse.
  • Parking
    Leicester city center parking is limited; use the NCP car parks near the station.
  • Booking
    Use the Trainline app for real-time platform updates and delay alerts.
Safety Tips
  • Personal Belongings
    Keep bags in sight at all times in busy London stations.
  • Late Travel
    Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas of Leicester late at night.
  • Emergency
    Dial 999 for immediate police or medical assistance.
  • Lighting
    Stick to well-lit main roads when walking from the station to your hotel.
People Also Ask
  • Is there a direct train?
    No, you must change at London St Pancras.
  • How far is the station from the center?
    Leicester station is a 10-minute walk from the city center.
  • Are there buses?
    National Express operates coaches from Victoria Coach Station.
  • Is it better to drive?
    Driving is flexible but traffic on the M1 can be unpredictable.
  • What is the best ticket type?
    Advance tickets are significantly cheaper than Anytime tickets.
Quick Info
  • From Woodford Green, England, United Kingdom
  • To Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

May to September for pleasant weather and outdoor events in Leicester city center.

Things to Do in Leicester
1
National Space Centre
An iconic attraction featuring the UK's largest planetarium. It offers interactive exhibits on space exploration.
2
Leicester Cathedral
The final resting place of King Richard III. It is a site of significant historical importance.
3
New Walk Museum
A diverse museum featuring dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian artifacts. It is located in a beautiful Victorian park.
4
Curve Theatre
A state-of-the-art performing arts venue in the Cultural Quarter. It hosts major touring productions and local plays.
Tags
Woodford Green to Leicester train London to Leicester rail East Midlands Railway travel from IG8 to LE1 Leicester travel guide fastest way to Leicester St Pancras to Leicester UK train travel tips