Leicester sits in the middle of England, close to the M1, with two airports within an hour's drive. Within the city, the inner ring road and a pedestrianised centre shape how a car gets you from A to B.
Getting around the city
- Leicester station. Trains from London St Pancras arrive at the station on London Road, just south-east of the centre. The front of the station is busy, so agree a pickup point when you book.
- The city centre. Much of the shopping centre around Highcross and the Clock Tower is pedestrianised. Name the nearest street a car can reach.
- The universities. The University of Leicester is south of the centre, and De Montfort University is on the west side near the river. The start and end of term are the busiest times.
Diwali and Belgrave Road
Leicester's Diwali celebrations are among the largest outside India. They centre on Belgrave Road, the "Golden Mile", north of the centre. On the evenings of the lights switch-on and Diwali itself, roads around Belgrave Road close and crowds are very large. Agree a pickup point away from the closed area and allow plenty of time. Event dates change every year, so check Leicester City Council's announcements.
Sport in Leicester
- King Power Stadium. Leicester City, just south of the centre.
- Welford Road. Leicester Tigers rugby, close to the station.
- Grace Road. Leicestershire county cricket.
The King Power Stadium and Welford Road are both close to the station and the ring road, so a match at either affects journeys in the south of the city. Agree a pickup point a few streets away.
Which airport from Leicester?
- East Midlands Airport is around 20 miles north-west via the M1, usually around 30 minutes by car. It's the closest and most convenient for European flights.
- Birmingham Airport is around 40 miles west, with more long-haul flights. Our Birmingham Airport guide covers the terminal.
London's airports are also a common long-distance run from Leicester, especially Luton, around 70 miles down the M1. See the Luton Airport guide.
Booking a Leicester minicab
Enter your journey on the booking page for an estimated fare. We run 24 hours a day, and you can also contact us on WhatsApp. We confirm the final price when we accept your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How far is East Midlands Airport from Leicester? A: Around 20 miles north-west via the M1, usually about 30 minutes by car.
Q: Can I get a minicab to Belgrave Road during Diwali? A: Roads around Belgrave Road close on the main Diwali evenings. Agree a drop-off and pickup point outside the closed area, and allow plenty of time.
Q: Which London airport is easiest to reach from Leicester? A: Luton is usually the closest, around 70 miles down the M1.
Q: Where should I get picked up after a match at the King Power Stadium? A: Agree a pickup point a few streets away from the ground. The roads right next to it are congested after matches.
Q: Do you pick up from Leicester station? A: Yes. Agree a specific pickup point near the station when you book, as the front is busy.