No booking fees on the app

No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support

24/7 customer support

  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. Leicester to Nottingham

Leicester to Nottingham train ticket prices

Travelling from Leicester to Nottingham by train? Find fares from as low as €5.09. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

€5.09󰄽

On Sat 27 Jun

  • €5.94󰄽
    Mon22 Jun
  • €5.94󰄽
    Tue23 Jun
  • €5.94󰄽
    Wed24 Jun
  • €13.34󰄽
    Thu25 Jun
  • €5.94󰄽
    Fri26 Jun
  • Sat27 Jun
  • €5.94󰄽
    Sun28 Jun

Leicester to Nottingham train timetable

Travelling from Leicester to Nottingham, the fastest train takes 21m with an average travel time of 32m. 53 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:44 and the last at 23:47. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

18:49

Leicester
30m, Direct

19:19

Nottingham
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

19:00

Leicester
47m, 1 change

19:47

Nottingham
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

19:47

Leicester
32m, Direct

20:19

Nottingham
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

19:57

Leicester
50m, 1 change

20:47

Nottingham
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

20:48

Leicester
30m, Direct

21:18

Nottingham
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

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.

Price
From €5.09
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
22 miles (36km)
Journey time
21m
First train
00:44
Last train
23:47
Frequency
53
Train operators

East Midlands Railway trains from Leicester to Nottingham

By Jay Harlow | Updated May 20, 2026
The route between Leicester and Nottingham is a short but busy intercity connection in the East Midlands. Direct services operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR) run frequently throughout the day, with journey times of 30-40 minutes depending on stopping patterns. Despite the short distance, passengers can still choose between Standard and First Class, each offering a slightly different onboard experience depending on the train fleet in service.

What is Standard Class like on East Midlands Railway?

Standard Class on EMR trains between Leicester and Nottingham is designed for reliability and practicality. Seating is comfortable with a mix of airline-style seats and tables, making it suitable for commuters or short leisure trips.
Free onboard Wi-Fi is available across intercity services, allowing passengers to browse or check emails during the journey. On Meridian trains, plug sockets are usually available for charging devices, making it easy to work or stay connected even during the brief trip.

Is First Class worth it on this short route?

Whether First Class is worth it for a 20-minute journey depends largely on when you travel. During busy commuter periods, it can provide a noticeably quieter environment and more space.
Seats are wider and arranged in a 2+1 configuration, giving more legroom and personal space than Standard Class. On many weekday services, passengers also receive complimentary drinks or light snacks, which adds a small but pleasant upgrade for those wanting a more relaxed journey.

How much luggage can you take on EMR trains?

East Midlands Railway allows passengers to bring up to three items of luggage on board. This usually means two larger suitcases and one smaller personal item such as a backpack or briefcase.
Storage areas are located throughout each carriage, including overhead racks, under-seat spaces, and dedicated luggage stacks near the doors.

Train travels from Leicester to Nottingham

Direct trains from Leicester to Nottingham run throughout the day, connecting the two cities in half an hour. Understanding how to navigate departure, enjoy the ride, and exit efficiently in Nottingham helps make the journey even smoother.

Departure from Leicester

Leicester Railway Station sits on London Road, just south-east of the main shopping district.

Specific transport links

  • Local bus services: Multiple Arriva and First Leicester routes, including the 48 and 80, stop directly outside the station on London Road
  • Hospital Hopper service: Connects Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital, and the railway station with regular daily services
  • Hop! free city bus: Electric circular bus linking the station with Highcross Shopping Centre and Jubilee Square,e roughly every ten minutes
  • Taxi rank: Located immediately outside the main entrance, providing quick access to hotels, universities and business districts

Station layout

  • Platform 1: Used for southbound and eastbound trains heading toward Birmingham New Street and Stansted Airport.
  • Platform 2: Most northbound services to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield depart from these platforms
  • Main concourse area: The Victorian booking hall contains ticket machines, the staffed ticket office and travel information screens

Pre-departure essentials

WHSmith on the concourse is the easiest place to pick up a traditional UK meal deal, bottled drinks or travel snacks. For coffee, the Pumpkin Cafe on the platforms and Starbucks near the entrance are popular choices.

Onboard trains from Leicester to Nottingham

Although the journey lasts only around 30 minutes, the route still offers a pleasant snapshot of the East Midlands landscape.

The scenic side

Sit on the right-hand side to enjoy clear views of the rolling Soar Valley farmland, the Grand Union Canal, riverside landscapes, and wetlands approaching Nottingham.

Key landmarks

  • River Soar: Historic river running through Leicestershire that parallels the railway shortly after departure
  • Barrow Boating area: Well-known local rowing and kayaking spot near the village of Barrow-upon-Soar
  • Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station: Massive cooling towers visible for miles, a well-known landmark of the region
  • Attenborough Nature Reserve: Expansive lakes and wetlands formed from former gravel pits near Nottingham

Arriving at Nottingham

Nottingham Station is a historic Victorian station that has been extensively renovated, blending classic architecture with modern transport connections. After stepping off the train, choosing the correct exit will help you reach the city centre or onward transport quickly.

The correct exit

  • North exit via the main concourse: The most direct route toward Nottingham’s city centre and major shopping areas
  • Carrington Street access: Leads straight onto the main road connecting the station with central Nottingham
  • South exit toward Queen’s Road: Best option for taxis, car pick-ups and access to the station car park
  • Rear station entrance: Convenient for passengers meeting drivers or heading toward nearby hotels
  • Tram bridge access: The Central bridge provides a direct connection to the tram platforms above

Onward travel

  • Nottingham Express Transit tram stop: Located above the station platforms for quick city connections
  • NET tram routes: Provide easy travel to Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Centre
  • Broad Marsh Bus Station: Major bus interchange roughly five minutes’ walk from the north exit
  • City bus stops: Multiple local bus routes depart from Carrington Street and nearby Collin Street
  • Robin Hood Line trains: Regional rail services connecting Nottingham with Mansfield and Worksop

Walkability

From the North Exit, walking along Carrington Street takes around 10 to 15 minutes to reach Old Market Square, the city’s central hub. Along the route, you’ll pass the historic Canalhouse area and the redeveloped Broad Marsh district. For most travellers staying in the centre, walking is usually quicker than waiting for a bus or taxi.
*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

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Leicester to Nottingham?

The average ticket fare from Leicester to Nottingham is about €5.09, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.

What is the best way to travel from Leicester to Nottingham by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. 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. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

Are there direct trains from Leicester to Nottingham?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Leicester to Nottingham. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from Leicester to Nottingham?

Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey

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?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed 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?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Which train companies operate the Leicester to Nottingham route?

The route from Leicester to Nottingham is operated by East Midlands Railway. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • 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.

  • 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

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄶
󰄽

Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.