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Leicester to Nottingham train ticket prices
£4.20
On Sat 14 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 01:34 and the last at 23:47. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:24 Leicester | 31m, Direct | 18:55 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:43 Leicester | 53m, Direct | 19:36 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:49 Leicester | 28m, Direct | 19:17 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
19:22 Leicester | 35m, Direct | 19:57 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
19:31 Leicester | 59m, Direct | 20:30 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 trains from Leicester to Nottingham
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
Taking the train from Leicester to Nottingham is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Leicester, you can arrive at Nottingham in just 21m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
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 quickest train journey from Leicester to Nottingham takes 21m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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, 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?
While Leicester to Nottingham trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Leicester to Nottingham is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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?
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 train from Leicester to Nottingham is operated by East Midlands Railway. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search 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
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.
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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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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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