Quick Answer
For most travellers, the best balance of cost, speed, and convenience is the combined bus and train route: Take the Skylink Derby bus (RA1) to East Midlands Parkway station (15-20 mins, £4-6), then a direct train to Leicester station (20-25 mins, £5-10 Advance). Total cost is £9-16 and total journey time is 55-75 minutes. The cheapest option is the direct Skylink Nottingham bus (RA2) to Leicester city centre (£3-5, 45-60 mins), then a walk or local bus. For ultimate convenience with heavy bags or groups, a pre-booked taxi costs £25-40 for the 30-45 minute direct ride.
By Train via East Midlands Parkway
While East Midlands Airport (EMA) lacks a train station, the East Midlands Parkway station serves as its main rail link. This combination is often the fastest public transport route, ideal if you're arriving during the day with manageable luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide: Bus + Train Route
- Exit the Terminal: Follow signs for “Buses & Coaches” from Arrivals.
- Catch the Skylink Derby (RA1): Board the clearly marked Skylink bus towards “Derby” or “East Midlands Parkway”. Buses run every 30 minutes, 24/7. Journey to the parkway station takes 15-20 minutes.
- Fare: Approx. £4-6 (single). Pay contactless on board or purchase via the Arriva app.
- Key Tip: Ensure the bus display says “via East Midlands Parkway”.
- At East Midlands Parkway: Alight and purchase a train ticket from the machines or book online in advance for the best price. Trains to Leicester are operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR).
- Train to Leicester: Direct trains run frequently (approx. every 30-60 mins). The journey takes 20-25 minutes.
- Advance Single Fare: Can be as low as £5-7 if booked weeks ahead.
- Anytime/Walk-up Fare: Typically £10-12.
- With a Railcard: Save 1/3 with a 16-25, 26-30, or other eligible Railcard.
- Leicester Station to University: From Leicester rail station, it's a 15-minute taxi ride (£6-9), a 30-minute walk, or a 15-minute bus ride (e.g., Lines 40, 40A, 48) to the main campus.
| Leg | Service | Frequency | Duration | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport to Station | Skylink RA1 Bus | Every 30 min | 15-20 min | £4-6 | 24/7 service |
| Train Journey | EMR to Leicester | Every 30-60 min | 20-25 min | £5-12 | Book ahead for cheapest fare |
| Station to Campus | Taxi / Local Bus | On-demand / Every 10-15 min | 5-15 min | £2-9 | Bus is cheapest, taxi is fastest |
| TOTAL | All | N/A | 55-75 min | £9-16 | Best for speed & reliability |
By Bus (The Direct & Cheapest Option)
The Skylink Nottingham (service RA2) bus provides a direct, single-bus connection from outside the EMA terminal to Leicester city centre. This is the most economical and straightforward method, especially for budget-conscious students.
Detailed Bus Information
- Route & Stops: The RA2 bus runs from EMA, via Loughborough, to its terminus at St Margaret's Bus Station in central Leicester.
- Frequency & Hours:
- Daytime (Mon-Sat): Every 20 minutes.
- Evening & Sunday: Every 30 minutes.
- Night (24/7): Service continues all night, every 30-60 minutes.
- Journey Time: 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Fares 2024:
- Single Adult Fare: £5-7 (pay contactless on board).
- Arriva Unirider Student Pass: Free or heavily discounted travel. Check with University of Leicester student services.
- Advance e-Ticket: Can be as low as £3-4 if purchased via the Arriva app before travel.
- Luggage: Buses have underfloor luggage compartments suitable for suitcases and large bags.
From St Margaret's Bus Station to University Campus
You have three options to complete the final 1.5-mile journey:
- Local Bus (Cheapest): Catch buses 40, 40A, or 48 from St Margaret's towards “Oadby”. Alight at “University Road” or “The Cathedral”. Journey: 10-15 mins. Fare: ~£2.
- Taxi (Fastest): Taxis rank outside the bus station. A ride to the University library or student accommodations takes 5-10 minutes and costs £5-7.
- Walk (Free): A 20-25 minute walk. Head south on Gravel Street, then onto New Walk/Victoria Park Road. Suitable only with light luggage in good weather.
Bottom Line: Total cost can be as low as £3-5 and total time 60-90 minutes. Unbeatable for price, but factor in the final leg to campus.
By Taxi & Private Transfer
A pre-booked taxi or private hire vehicle offers a door-to-door, non-stop service. This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.
Costs, Booking, & Key Providers
Typical Fare Range: £25 to £40 for a standard car (4 passengers). Factors affecting price include:
- Time of Day: Evenings, nights, and weekends may have higher tariffs.
- Traffic: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can increase journey time and cost.
- Vehicle Type: Estate cars for extra luggage or people carriers for groups cost more.
- Booking Method: Pre-booking online is often cheaper than using the airport taxi rank.
Recommended Actions:
- Pre-book Online: Use reputable local firms like A-Taxi Leicester, Leicestershire Airport Taxis, or national apps (Uber operates at EMA). Pre-booking locks in a rate.
- Avoid Meter Surprises: Taxis from the airport rank (often black cabs) may use a meter which can result in a higher fare, especially in traffic.
- Confirm Details: When booking, specify your terminal (EMA Arrivals), final university address (e.g., University Road, LE1 7RH), and luggage quantity.
When is a Taxi the Best Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals when public transport is infrequent.
- Groups of 3-4 people – splitting the cost can make it comparable to bus/train fares.
- Travellers with heavy, bulky, or multiple suitcases.
- Those with mobility issues or requiring direct access to specific university halls.
- In cases of severe time pressure (e.g., a tight check-in deadline).
Warning: Always use licensed operators. Unlicensed touts may approach you in the terminal; ignore them and proceed to the official rank or your pre-booked driver.
University & Hotel Shuttles
Unlike some universities, the University of Leicester does not operate a dedicated airport shuttle service for general students or staff. However, specific options exist:
- International Student Arrivals (Welcome Week): The university may organise coordinated pickups from London airports (Heathrow/Gatwick) for new international students at the start of the academic year. Check your pre-arrival emails from the International Student Office for details. Direct shuttles from EMA are unlikely.
- Private Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels near the airport (e.g., Holiday Inn Express, EMA) offer free shuttle buses to/from the terminal for guests. Confirm directly with your hotel.
- Coach Services: National long-distance coaches (National Express, Megabus) serve Leicester Coach Station (not EMA directly). To use these, you would first need to get to a coach hub like Nottingham or Derby from the airport via Skylink bus, making it an inefficient choice for this specific journey.
Recommendation: For general travel, rely on the public Skylink bus, train, or taxi options outlined above.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options from East Midlands Airport to the University of Leicester main campus.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Total Cost (One Way) | Number of Changes / Transfers | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylink Bus (RA2) + Walk/Local Bus | 60 - 90 mins | £3 - £7 (cheapest) | 0-1 | Budget travellers, students with bus passes, solo travellers with light luggage. | Final walk/bus leg required from city centre. Check student pass validity. |
| Skylink Bus (RA1) + Train + Taxi/Bus | 55 - 75 mins (fastest public) | £9 - £16 | 2 | Most travellers seeking best speed/cost balance. Good for day arrivals. | Requires buying two separate tickets. Train times can be spaced out. |
| Pre-Booked Taxi / Private Hire | 30 - 45 mins | £25 - £40 | 0 (direct) | Groups (3-4), heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, travellers with mobility needs, convenience seekers. | Most expensive option. Price varies by time/day. Pre-booking is essential for best rate. |
| Airport Rank Taxi (Metered) | 30 - 50 mins | £35 - £50+ | 0 (direct) | Immediate travel, those not wanting to pre-book. | Can be significantly more expensive, especially in traffic. |
Money-Saving Tips
- Student Bus Pass: An Arriva Unirider pass is the single biggest saving for students, making bus travel from the airport virtually free.
- Railcards: If using the train leg, a 16-25, 26-30, or Two Together Railcard saves 1/3 on train fares.
- Advance Purchase: Buy train tickets online (EMR website/Trainline) and Skylink e-tickets (Arriva app) ahead of time for the lowest fares.
- Group Taxi: For 3-4 people, a taxi split 4 ways (£6-10 each) can be cheaper and faster than individual public transport tickets.
Traveler Tips & Practical Experience
Insights from frequent travellers can make your journey smoother.
Luggage Strategy
- Heavy Bags? If you have more than one large suitcase, the bus+walk option becomes difficult. Opt for the bus+train (stations have trolleys) or a taxi for the final leg from the city centre.
- Lost Luggage? If your checked bags are delayed, report it to your airline at the EMA baggage desk immediately. Keep your report reference. The university's Student Support Service can offer advice if this causes hardship.
Navigation & Connectivity
- Free Airport Wi-Fi: Use EMA's free Wi-Fi to book your next transport leg, check bus/train times, or call a taxi.
- Apps are Essential: Download the Arriva UK Bus app for live Skylink times, and the EMR or Trainline app for train tickets and real-time updates.
- Leicester Station Exit: For taxis/buses to the university, exit the station via the main entrance on London Road. The taxi rank and many bus stops are directly outside.
Timing & Peak Seasons
- Welcome Week & Move-In Weekends (Late September): This is the busiest time. Expect queues for taxis, fuller buses, and more students on trains. Book taxis well in advance.
- Weekday Rush Hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM): The A6 and A46 roads into Leicester can be congested, adding 10-20 minutes to bus/taxi journeys. Train remains reliable but may be standing-room only.
- First/Last Services: Always double-check the last bus/train times if arriving on a late flight. The 24/7 Skylink is your safety net.
Safety & Accessibility
- EMA is Safe & Compact: The airport is small and well-signposted. The bus stops are directly outside the terminal in a well-lit area.
- Accessibility: All Skylink buses are wheelchair accessible. East Midlands Parkway and Leicester stations have step-free access. Contact taxi firms in advance to request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle if needed.
- Traveling Alone at Night: The Skylink bus is generally safe. Sit near the driver. For peace of mind, especially after midnight, consider pre-booking a taxi for the entire journey.
FAQs: East Midlands Airport to University of Leicester
What is the cheapest way to get from East Midlands Airport to University of Leicester?
The cheapest way is by taking the Skylink Nottingham bus (service RA2) to Leicester St Margaret's Bus Station, followed by a local bus or a 20-minute walk. The total single fare can be as low as £3-£5 if using a student rider card or advance ticket. This compares to £25-£40 for a taxi.
Is there a direct train from East Midlands Airport to Leicester?
No, there is no direct train. East Midlands Airport does not have its own train station. The most common route is to take the Skylink Derby bus (service RA1) to East Midlands Parkway station (15-20 mins), then a direct train to Leicester station (approx. 20-25 mins). Total journey time is about 60-75 minutes.
How much is a taxi from East Midlands Airport to University of Leicester?
A pre-booked taxi or private transfer typically costs between £25 and £40 for the 30-45 minute journey, depending on traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. Metered taxis from the airport rank may be more expensive. This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.
What is the fastest way to get to University of Leicester from EMA?
For solo travellers with light luggage, the fastest combination is the Skylink Derby bus to East Midlands Parkway + train to Leicester + a short taxi from Leicester station to campus (approx. 55-70 mins total). For groups of 3-4 or those with heavy bags, a direct pre-booked taxi (30-45 mins) can be the fastest door-to-door option, especially outside peak hours.
How do I get to University of Leicester from EMA late at night or early in the morning?
Bus services (Skylink) run 24/7, but frequency drops to every 30-60 minutes between midnight and 5 AM. Train services from East Midlands Parkway stop around midnight. Therefore, for arrivals between ~00:30 and 05:30, your only practical public transport option is the 24-hour Skylink bus to Leicester city centre, followed by a taxi to campus. Pre-booking a taxi is highly recommended for late-night arrivals.
Where does the bus from East Midlands Airport stop in Leicester?
The primary bus service, Skylink Nottingham (RA2), terminates at St Margaret's Bus Station in Leicester city centre. From there, it's a 20-25 minute walk, a short ride on local buses (e.g., Numbers 40, 40A, 48 towards Oadby), or a 5-minute taxi to the University's main campus. Always check the electronic displays on the bus for the final destination.
Can I use a student discount on transport from the airport?
Yes, on buses. Students with a valid Arriva Unirider or other local student bus pass can travel for free or at a heavy discount on Skylink and local Leicester buses. For trains, a 16-25 Railcard or 26-30 Railcard saves 1/3 on train fares from East Midlands Parkway. Taxis do not offer standard student discounts.
Is it easy to travel with large suitcases or bulky luggage?
Taxis are easiest for large luggage. Skylink buses have dedicated luggage compartments underneath. Trains have overhead racks and luggage areas at the ends of carriages, but space can be limited during peak times. If you have multiple or very heavy bags, the bus+walk/bus combo may be challenging. Consider a taxi for the final leg from the city centre if needed.