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Nottingham to Leicester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€5.24
On Thu 22
Live timetable and departures
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:50 Nottingham | 20m, Direct | 09:10 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
09:12 Nottingham | 30m, Direct | 09:42 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
09:17 Nottingham | 46m, 1 change | 10:03 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
09:33 Nottingham | 50m, Direct | 10:23 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
09:50 Nottingham | 20m, Direct | 10:10 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Nottingham to Leicester
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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 free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Nottingham
Address:
Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ
Public Transport Links:
Tram: The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram stop sits directly above the railway platforms, with Lines 1 and 2 serving destinations across Nottingham, including Old Market Square, the Royal Centre and the university.
Bus: Broadmarsh bus station is a short 3-minute walk from the station, serving local and regional routes across Nottinghamshire and beyond. NCT and Trent Barton buses also stop on Carrington Street directly outside the station.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located at the Station Street side exit of the station.
Platforms:
There are 7 platforms with step-free access throughout and lifts to all platforms. Long-distance services to London St Pancras typically depart from the platforms on the main concourse side. The station is open 24 hours with the ticket office operating from 05:00 to 22:00.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Just outside the station, the Nottingham Canal runs alongside the building – a wonderfully peaceful spot for a walk or a few minutes of fresh air before or after your train. 200 Degrees on Carrington Street offers coffee from one of the UK’s finest independent specialty roasters – and is just a 2-minute walk from the station. Just next to the station, the Brew Tavern is one of Nottingham’s best spots for a pre-departure drink – a cosy micro pub serving a range of craft beers and ales."
Arriving at Leicester
Address:
London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Local bus services stop on London Road directly outside the station, with connections across Leicester city centre and the surrounding area. St Margaret's bus station, serving National Express and regional coaches, is approximately 15 minutes’ walk through the city centre.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance in the covered atrium on London Road.
Car: A station car park with 458 spaces is available directly adjacent to the main entrance on London Road, with blue badge spaces available.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Leicester Cathedral and King Richard III (10-minute walk)
Leicester Market (10-minute walk)
National Space Centre (approximately 15 minutes by taxi or bus)
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery (15-minute walk)
The Golden Mile (15-minute walk or short taxi)
Airport Transfers:
For Stansted Airport, CrossCountry operates direct services from Leicester with a total journey time of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you're departing from platforms 3 or 4, Pumpkin Cafe is right there on the platform – a genuinely great stop for good coffee. Alternatively, for a meal or a drink before or after your train, head towards Granby Street, Leicester's most vibrant dining street with an excellent range of restaurants, cafes and bars, all within easy walking distance of the station. As you leave the station, look out for the statue of Thomas Cook just outside the main entrance – the man who invented package tourism was born in nearby Derbyshire and launched his first ever railway excursion from Leicester in 1841."
FAQs: Leicester Station
What’s the name of the main train station in Leicester?
Leicester's main railway station is simply called Leicester station, located on London Road. It was formerly known as Leicester London Road to distinguish it from the now-closed Leicester Central station, but has been known simply as Leicester since the 1970s.
Is there only one train station in Leicester?
Yes, Leicester only has one mainline railway station. Leicester station serves as the primary rail hub for the city and is managed by East Midlands Railway, with services to London St Pancras, Sheffield, Nottingham and beyond.
Does Leicester train station have shops?
Yes, Leicester station has a ticket office, waiting areas, toilets and a selection of food and drink options. A WH Smith is also available on the main concourse for newspapers, snacks and travel essentials.
How far is Leicester train station from the city centre?
Leicester station sits on London Road, immediately adjacent to the city centre. The main shopping streets, Market Place and the Cultural Quarter are all within a 10-15 minute walk. Granby Street, Leicester's main dining and bar street, is just a few minutes away on foot.
Nottingham to Leicester with East Midlands Railway: What You Need to Know
When taking the train from Nottingham to Leicester, you’ll travel with East Midlands Railway (EMR), a reliable operator with an extensive network.
How is the onboard experience with East Midlands Railway?
Should I upgrade to First Class with EMR?
Upgrading to First Class guarantees you the best travel experience with EMR. First Class increases the comfort, and ensures you’ll have power sockets and free Wi-Fi throughout your journey.
How long is the journey from Nottingham to Leicester?
The route can take just 20 minutes at the quickest times, though slower services with more stops can take up to 50 minutes. Check ahead and book advance tickets to personalise your travel experience.
Train travel from Nottingham to Leicester
Nottingham: Getting to the Platform
- While you wait: Nottingham has accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and vending machines. Sheltered platform waiting areas with accessible seating can be found on all platforms. If you're thirsty, buy a drink from Costa in the main concourse area, or use free water refill points.
- Platform: Most trains to Leicester leave Nottingham Station from platforms 4, 5, 6 or 7. Depending on the time of day and the exact route, you’ll need to go to a different platform, so be sure to check information boards before you travel.
Onboard trains from Nottingham to Leicester
- Key Landmarks: Notable sights on your route include Attenborough Nature Reserve, an impressive 226-hectare reserve just past Beeston. Near the start of your journey, you’ll also track the River Trent as it winds southwards.
- The View Alert: For the best natural views throughout your trip, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing South).
Arriving at Leicester
- Exit into Leicester: Leicester is a four-platform station, with one main exit, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find your way out. Climb the stairs, or take the lift, to the bridge, where you’ll be able to access Leicester city centre. Note: barriers are usually in operation, so be sure to have your tickets ready.
- Buses from Leicester Station: The bus stop opposite the station is served by a free Hop! bus around the city centre. A larger bus station (St Margarets) offers more options for travel into nearby villages. Walk to St Margarets in just 10 minutes from Leicester train station.
FAQ
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How much is a train from Nottingham to Leicester?
Tickets from Nottingham to Leicester typically cost €17.88, but can be as cheap as €5.24 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Nottingham to Leicester?
The journey should take, on average, 32m, though it can be as quick as 20m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Nottingham to Leicester?
If a direct route exists: Yes, there is a direct train between Nottingham and Leicester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including options where you'll need to change trains. Check each listing for either "direct" or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
If no direct route exists: There is no direct service between Nottingham and Leicester. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for the most convenient and time-efficient stations to change at.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Nottingham to Leicester?
You can typically book tickets from Nottingham to Leicester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Nottingham to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi?
[If journeys include Merseyrail and/or Northern]: Although Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer Wi-Fi currently; all other providers do, however.
[All others:] Yes, most trains on the route from Nottingham to Leicester are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company.
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How far is Nottingham from Leicester?
The distance between Nottingham and Leicester is approximately 22 miles (35km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Nottingham to Leicester?
There is 60 train running from Nottingham to Leicester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Nottingham to Leicester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
More train routes
* 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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