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Leicester to Nottingham train ticket prices
£4.90
On Fri 27 Feb
Leicester to Nottingham train timetable
From Leicester to Nottingham, take the fastest train in 21m, typically 32m. Daily, 52 trains depart from Leicester, with the first at 01:34 and the last at 23:47. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
07:52 Leicester | 29m, Direct | 08:21 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
08:25 Leicester | 31m, Direct | 08:56 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
08:40 Leicester | 46m, Direct | 09:26 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?
The average fare from Leicester to Nottingham is approximately £4.90, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Leicester to Nottingham by train?
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, there are no direct trains from Leicester to Nottingham. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
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?
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
How do I find Leicester to Nottingham train timetables?
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 Leicester to Nottingham route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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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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