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Leicester to Nottingham train ticket prices
£4.20
On Sat 07 Mar
Leicester to Nottingham train timetable
Travelling from Leicester to Nottingham, the fastest train takes 21m with an average travel time of 32m. 52 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 01:51 and the last at 23:47. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
01:51 Leicester | 31m, Direct | 02:22 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:16 Leicester | 50m, Direct | 07:06 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:41 Leicester | 35m, Direct | 07:16 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
07:18 Leicester | 35m, Direct | 07:53 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
07:39 Leicester | 50m, Direct | 08:29 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
Leicester to Nottingham train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Leicester to Nottingham with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
East Midlands Railway: Leicester to Nottingham trains
The Leicester to Nottingham train takes about 25–30 minutes on East Midlands Railway. It's a quick hop along the Midland Main Line and offers pleasant views of farmland and rural towns like Beeston. This is a popular route among commuters and students, with both cities home to leading universities.
East Midlands Railway is the train operator of the direct train between these 2 urban centres. The company connects London St Pancras with cities like Sheffield, Derby and Lincoln.
Departing from Leicester
Getting to Leicester station for your train to Nottingham is pretty straightforward – it's in the city centre on London Road, just a short walk from the Clock Tower and main high street. The station is just around the corner from De Montfort University and about a 20-minute walk from the University of Leicester campus.
East Midlands Railway runs most services here, with frequent departures to London St Pancras. There are also CrossCountry trains heading to Birmingham, Cambridge and beyond. If you're after a quick coffee before your journey, there are cafes and refreshments on the concourse.
Main stops
The main stops on this route include Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway. For services that continue to London St Pancras, there are no stops between Nottingham and Leicester.
Arriving at Nottingham
When you catch the train from Leicester to Nottingham, you'll be hopping off in the heart of town. You can catch trams to places like the University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre and Beeston – the stop is outside the station.
If you're staying in the city, Old Market Square is about a 10-minute walk away, while Nottingham Castle is roughly 15 minutes on foot. You'll find shops and cafes for refreshments along the way.
The station's a major hub with trains to London St Pancras, Manchester, Liverpool and many more cities. East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry are the main operators.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- First Class: This is worth it if you fancy a bit more space. You get roomier seats with tables, quieter carriages and plug sockets. Monday to Saturday, they'll serve you complimentary food and drinks at your seat.
- Standard Class: You’ll enjoy your comfy seats with tables or tray tables. Seat reservations and free Wi-Fi are also available on this route.
East Midlands Railway train travel advice
Here's what you need to know before you travel:
- Luggage: Keep bags where you can see them at all times; unattended items may be removed. Don't leave them where they may obstruct other passengers from moving around.
- Bikes: You'll need to book your bike space at least 1 day in advance. It's free but there's only space for 2 bikes per train, so book early to avoid disappointment.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel free and 5–15-year-olds get half price off. 16–17-year-olds also get 50% if they have a Saver Railcard.
- Pets: Your furry companions can travel for free – up to 2 per person. Keep them on a lead or in a carrier, and remember they need to stay on the floor, not the seats.
- Passenger Assistance: East Midlands Railway is part of the national assistance scheme. You can book at least 2 hours ahead for help with things like lifting bags and getting on and off the train.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Leicester to Nottingham train travel guide
The train journey from Leicester to Nottingham combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Leicester, you can get to Nottingham in just 21m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Leicester to Nottingham?
Ticket prices from Leicester to Nottingham average around £4.20, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Leicester to Nottingham?
What is the fastest train from Leicester to Nottingham?
The fastest train journey time from Leicester to Nottingham is 21m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Leicester to Nottingham?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Leicester to Nottingham. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Leicester to Nottingham?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Leicester to Nottingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Leicester to Nottingham trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Leicester to Nottingham trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Leicester to Nottingham are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Leicester to Nottingham route?
The Leicester to Nottingham route is operated by East Midlands Railway. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Leicester to Nottingham train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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