$476 Cheap Flights to Leicester

Flights to Leicester at a glance

Traveling to Leicester is a breeze; you can choose from full-service or low-cost airlines. Compare flight schedules and journey times to find the cheapest flight that fits your budget and itinerary, allowing you to explore the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Leicester: Birmingham Airport (BHX), East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• Closest airport to Leicester: East Midlands Airport, EMA (around 16 miles)
• Flights per week: 290+ flights arriving across Leicester airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Leicester: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Leicester

Leicester is a vibrant city perfect for family vacations filled with outdoor activities, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Travelers flock to Leicester for its adventure opportunities, sports, and family-friendly attractions. The city is conveniently served by two major airports, including Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport, providing excellent travel options.

• Birmingham Airport (BHX): Situated in the Solihull District of West Midlands, England, approximately 28 miles from Leicester, this airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, linking to around 1 domestic city and over 35 international destinations. Travelers can opt for business class service for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers include Aer Lingus, United, and Lufthansa.
• East Midlands Airport (EMA): Placed in North West Leicestershire District, Leicestershire, England, roughly 16 miles from Leicester, this airport primarily caters to international flights. Ryanair is a prominent airline operating at this location, providing travelers with various travel options.

Top routes to Leicester

• Dublin (DUB) to Leicester (BHX/EMA), with one-way flights starting at around $25
• New York (JFK) to Leicester (BHX), with one-way airfare from around $270
• Washington (IAD) to Leicester (BHX), with one-way flights starting at around $300
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Leicester (BHX), with one-way fares starting at around $330
• San Francisco (SFO) to Leicester (BHX), with one-way flights starting at around $320

Cheapest routes to Leicester

• Dublin (DUB) to Leicester (BHX/EMA), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $25
• Barcelona (BCN) to Leicester (BHX), with cheap one-way fares from around $25
• Berlin (BER) to Leicester (BHX), with cheap one-way fares from around $25
• Madrid (MAD) to Leicester (BHX), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $35
• Edinburgh (EDI) to Leicester (BHX), with cheap one-way fares from around $40

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Leicester

• Aer Lingus: Operating flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX), Aer Lingus represents about 25% of arrivals in Leicester. The typical one-way fare is around $440.
• Lufthansa: With services to Birmingham Airport (BHX), Lufthansa accounts for roughly 13% of arrivals to Leicester. The average one-way ticket costs approximately $450, with business class available on select routes.
• United: This airline flies to Birmingham Airport (BHX), contributing approximately 12% of Leicester's arrivals. The standard one-way fare is about $490.
• Ryanair: Offering flights to both Birmingham Airport (BHX) and East Midlands Airport (EMA), Ryanair makes up around 9% of arrivals to Leicester. The average one-way fare is a budget-friendly $60.
• Virgin Atlantic: Flying into Birmingham Airport (BHX), Virgin Atlantic accounts for nearly 7% of arrivals to Leicester. One-way fares hover around $490.

Best time to fly to Leicester

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Leicester are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Leicester can reach up to 61.7°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 51.6°F. For better deals, February and August usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $337, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and January offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $339 to $370, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Leicester

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Leicester is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Leicester hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Leicester flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Leicester

Leicester welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Leicester efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Birmingham Airport, the Air Rail Link Tram Stop, a metro station, is located about 0.3 miles from the airport, while Birmingham International Station, a train station, is also situated approximately 0.3 miles away, providing convenient access for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Leicester, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Leicester is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Leicester on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Leicester

• Broughton Astley: Nestled in the area of Leicester, Broughton Astley is a charming village that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from golfing at local courses to exploring the nearby urban park and stadium. Key attractions include the historic University of Leicester, the family-friendly National Space Centre, and the modern De Montfort University, making it a delightful stop for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and city life.
• Newbold Verdon: Located in the area of Leicester, Newbold Verdon is a picturesque village perfect for adventure seekers and those who appreciate scenic landscapes. The village offers access to recreational areas and a thrilling racetrack for motor racing fans. Notable points of interest include the historic Loughborough University, the engaging National Space Centre, and the contemporary De Montfort University, all of which provide opportunities for cultural exploration and family fun amidst the village's natural beauty.
• Barrow Upon Soar: Barrow Upon Soar is located 8 miles drive away from Leicester and serves as an inviting destination for families and business travelers. With its convenient shopping centers and educational institutions, this village blends urban amenities with a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the local water feature, nature reserve, and the historic Loughborough Town Hall, alongside the esteemed Loughborough University and the captivating National Space Centre, making it a great spot for both leisure and learning.

Tips for short-haul flights to Leicester

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security wait times.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Leicester

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow seat selection for free once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even offer seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee at a café, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free and accessible Wi-Fi.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Leicester

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Leicester on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

February is the cheapest month to fly to Leicester. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Leicester. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Leicester, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Leicester

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Leicester in 2026 starts from $1,179, while one-way tickets start from from $476. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Leicester. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Leicester

American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Leicester. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Leicester and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Leicester, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Leicester. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Leicester plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Leicester

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Leicester.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Leicester are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Leicester. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Leicester for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Leicester. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Leicester flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Leicester. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.