Leicester to Derby Trains From €3.25*

Beat all routes to Derby by car and get to the post-industrial city in just around 26 minutes on an East Midlands Railway train. Even better, it’s easy to buy cheap train tickets. Two services run every hour, offering views of the charming countryside and industrial landscape.

Also known as EMR, East Midlands Railway provides intercity and suburban services to/from London and long-distance trains across the East Midlands. Destinations include Long Eaton, Sheffield and Bedford.

Departing from Leicester

Your Leicester to Derby train departs from a convenient location. Leicester train station is on London Road, about a ten-minute walk from the city centre. A number of bus routes can take you directly in front of the station building.

CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway (EMR) operate services connecting passengers to towns and cities across the UK as well as Stansted Airport. Choose from direct trains to Peterborough, Birmingham, Nottingham and more.

Main stops

Some services from Leicester to Derby are direct with no intermediate stops. Other trains may stop at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway or Long Eaton. Calling points can differ depending on the operator, time and route.

Arriving at Derby

You’re only a short walk from the city centre, plus fun attractions, tasty eateries and hidden gems after leaving Derby railway station. If you have loads of luggage or would rather get a lift, the station has a taxi rank as well as many local buses.

Derby has a chain of 18th-century mills, including the world’s first factory. This rich history is showcased in the Museum of Making, housing a treasure trove of important items and collections. The city also contains England’s first public park, the Derby Arboretum. Did you know that this picturesque oasis provided the blueprint for Central Park in New York? With an intriguing past, Derby is a must-see destination.

Travelling to another destination? East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry offer a number of direct train options. Choose from journeys to Matlock, Edinburgh, London and other towns and cities in England, Scotland and Wales.

East Midlands Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Power sockets and free Wi-Fi are available in certain East Midlands Railway (EMR) Standard Class carriages. All seats either have a table or a tray table.
• First Class: Leicester to Derby First Class perks include wider seating in quieter carriages with individual tables and power sockets. During weekday services, light food and refreshments are served at your table. Selected stations are also eligible for a “First plus parking” ticket, which provides return travel and three days’ parking.

East Midlands Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: Three pieces (two larger items and a smaller bag) are permitted on East Midlands Railway (EMR) services.
• Bicycles: Bikes should be kept in the vestibule area, and passengers must stay with them during the journey. EMR recommends reserving a space, as you can’t book on the day of travel. During weekdays, non-folding bikes aren’t allowed on trains arriving in London before 10:00 or departing from 16:00 to 19:00. E-scooters are banned.
• Children: Under-5s get free travel. Tickets are half price for 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders. The Family and Friends Railcard provides a third off for up to four adults and 60% off for four children.
• Pets: Two pets can travel with you. They should be in a secure carrier or on a lead and off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Help for your journey, from navigating stations to alighting trains, can be booked up to two hours before travel.

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