Leicester to Sheffield Trains From £5.90*

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is the sole operator on the Leicester to Sheffield route. It operates its Meridian trains, which have Standard Class and First Class. This table compares each carriage type so you can choose the most suitable option for your needs.

• Onboard facilities: There are toilets in both classes, including at least one accessible toilet with baby-changing. Alcohol can be bought on board at any time, in either class.
• Passenger assistance: Wheelchair spaces and at-train assistance are available on every service. Book it up to 2 hours before you travel. Here’s how: through the national Passenger Assistance app, by calling National Rail's hotline on 0800 022 3720 (option 1), or by texting 60083 with your Passenger Assist enquiry (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00).

Are pets allowed on trains from Leicester to Sheffield?

Yes. Up to two pets per passenger travel free with East Midlands Railway. Dogs need to be on a lead, and all other pets travel in a carrier — they can’t sit on seats.

Can I take a bike on the train from Leicester to Sheffield?

Yes — and it’s free. East Midlands Railway has space for up to two bikes per train, but these need to be reserved. To make a reservation, call the operator before travel on 03457 125 678. Standard and folding bikes are accepted; e-scooters, motorcycles, tandems and trailers aren’t.

How much luggage can I travel with on Leicester and Sheffield trains?

Onboard, your free allowance is up to three standard items per passenger — such as a suitcase, cabin bag and a backpack — stored in overhead racks, under your seat, or at the end of the carriage.

The 53-mile journey between the two cities takes around 58 minutes on the fastest direct service, with 21 trains a day and fares starting from £8. Here’s what to expect on the route.

Departure from Leicester: Getting to the Platform

• Getting to the station by bus: from the city centre: The free Hop! The bus runs every 10 minutes Mon–Sat between 08:00–18:00. This calls at Charles Street, Granby Street and Haymarket Bus Station before reaching the station; from Highfields, Evington or Leicester General Hospital: Take routes 22, 22A or 22E; from Stoneygate or Oadby: jump on the 31 or 31A. The Hospital Hopper (HH) runs in from the Royal Infirmary, General and Glenfield hospitals.
• Inside the station: The platforms are a floor below the main entrance, so you’ll go down by lift or stairs from the concourse. There’s step-free access throughout via lifts and an overbridge. You’ll find a sheltered waiting area, toilets, baby changing, refreshments and free Wi-Fi on the concourse.
• Platforms: Trains to Sheffield usually depart from platform 2, but always check the screens on the day. With a First Class ticket, head toward the north (Sheffield) end of the platform — you’ll be lined up with the front carriages.
• Parking: There are two car parks — a short stay and a long stay — both run by EMR on Conduit Street. The short stay has 10 spaces, including 4 accessible spots, while the long-stay has 498 spaces, of which 15 are accessible. Prices start from £2 (evening, 18:00-02:00). There are no EV charging spots.
• Bikes: If you’re leaving a bike at Leicester station, head for the cycle hub on the lower floor, in the old Red Star parcels area. It has 222 spaces, is fully sheltered and covered by CCTV. There are also bike stands in the main car park if the hub is full.

The journey from Leicester to Sheffield

• Don’t miss views: Sit on the left-hand side facing forward to catch Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire as the train passes through Chesterfield. The twisted 14th-century spire is visible above the rooftops on the way in.
• The “you’re nearly there” cue: After Chesterfield, the train enters the Bradway Tunnel, a 2,027-yard run under the hills. You come out into the Sheaf valley on the final approach to Sheffield station.
• Right-side views: You’ll see Soar Valley and Trent Valley farmland.

Arriving at Sheffield

• The Sheaf Square (front) exit: Use this for the city centre, hotels, Sheffield Hallam University, the Bus Interchange, taxis and the car pick-up zone. Howard Street runs directly from the square to the Town Hall and Peace Gardens, a flat 10-minute walk.
• The Supertram (rear) exit: Use this exit only if your destination is on the tram network. It leads straight onto the Sheffield Station / Sheffield Hallam University tram stop, served by the Blue and Purple lines. From here you can ride direct to the University of Sheffield, Hillsborough (for Sheffield Wednesday FC) and Crystal Peaks. For Meadowhall Interchange, change at Cathedral onto the Yellow line.
• Onward rail: Sheffield is the natural change for further-north destinations like Leeds, York, Hull, Newcastle and Edinburgh.