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. Sheffield to Leicester

Sheffield to Leicester train ticket prices

Travelling from Sheffield to Leicester by train? Find fares from as low as €5.15. 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

€5.15󰄽

On Sat 19

  • €6.55󰄽
    Sun13Sep
  • €6.55󰄽
    Mon14Sep
  • €6.55󰄽
    Tue15Sep
  • €6.55󰄽
    Wed16Sep
  • €10.66󰄽
    Thu17Sep
  • €11.52󰄽
    Fri18Sep
  • Sat19Sep

Sheffield to Leicester train timetable

Travelling from Sheffield to Leicester, the fastest train takes 1h 3m with an average travel time of 1h 8m. 25 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:22 and the last at 23:30. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

09:22

Sheffield
1h 3m, Direct

10:25

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

10:08

Sheffield
1h 33m, 1 change

11:41

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

10:52

Sheffield
1h 4m, Direct

11:56

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

11:07

Sheffield
1h 33m, 1 change

12:40

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

11:52

Sheffield
1h 4m, Direct

12:56

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

Sheffield to Leicester train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Sheffield to Leicester 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 €5.15
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
53 miles (86km)
Journey time
1h 3m
First train
08:22
Last train
23:30
Frequency
25

East Midlands Railway: Sheffield to Leicester trains

By Mark Wilshin | Updated May 29, 2026
Travel from the city of steel to the city of textiles on a direct East Midlands Railway train from Sheffield to Leicester, arriving in just about one hour. Settle in on board your Sheffield to Leicester train, as you roll past Chesterfield’s crooked spire and through Derbyshire and Leicestershire’s rolling countryside, before arriving into Leicester.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) runs intercity and regional services throughout the East Midlands, connecting London St Pancras International with key cities, including Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and Lincoln, as well as local routes all across the region.

Departing from Sheffield

Just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, Sheffield station is one of the North’s major rail hubs and easy to reach from all across the city by Supertram, bus, taxi, bike or on foot.
Managed by East Midlands Railway, Sheffield station offers direct East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras, while CrossCountry links the city with destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Plymouth, Reading, York and Newcastle. TransPennine Express connects Sheffield to Liverpool and Cleethorpes, and Northern provides local routes to Manchester, Leeds, Doncaster, Lincolnshire and Scarborough.

Main stops

Sit back and relax as your Sheffield to Leicester train takes you through the historic towns of Chesterfield and Derby before arriving into Leicester.

Arriving at Leicester

Just a ten-minute stroll from the heart of the city, Leicester station puts you within easy reach of historic landmarks, lively shopping streets and the city’s vibrant cultural mix.
Managed by East Midlands Railway, Leicester station makes it easy to continue your journey with buses right outside, a taxi rank by the main entrance and car pick-up points nearby. With East Midlands Railway services running up to four times an hour to London St Pancras, as well as direct trains north to Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, and CrossCountry routes to Birmingham, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, Leicester station is well-connected all across the region.
Venture beyond the station and you’ll discover a city rich in contrasts, where Leicester’s medieval castle and Roman ruins at the Jewry Wall sit alongside cutting-edge architecture, such as the National Space Centre. Famous as the final resting place of King Richard III, Leicester today thrives as a diverse city with championship sport, bustling shopping streets and leafy walks along the River Soar.

East Midland Railway train classes 

  • Standard Class: Relax on your Sheffield to Leicester journey with East Midlands Railway with free Wi-Fi on intercity services, comfortable seating, and at-seat plug sockets. Meridian trains also feature tray tables or shared tables, with a trolley service offering drinks and light snacks on some services.
  • First Class: Please note, there is no first class service available on East Midland Railway’s Sheffield to Leicester route.

East Midland Railway travel advice

Before you set off on your train journey from Sheffield to Leicester, here’s a handy guide covering everything you need to know before you travel – from luggage and bikes to children, pets and accessibility support.
  • Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three items onboard free of charge, including suitcases, backpacks or carry-ons. Bags should be stowed in overhead racks, under your seat, or in luggage areas, keeping aisles and doorways clear.
  • Bicycles: Bikes are welcome onboard all East Midlands Railway services without a reservation, subject to available space. Please use designated bike or luggage areas and make sure access routes, especially to wheelchair spaces, remain clear.
  • Children: Kids under five travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 get 50% off standard fares when travelling with an adult. Teenagers can also access half-price fares nationwide with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
  • Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets onboard East Midlands Railway services at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and smaller animals should travel in secure carriers. Pets are not allowed on seats.
  • Passenger Assist: If you need help with boarding, carrying your luggage or navigating the station, Passenger Assist can be booked in advance when buying your tickets, through the app, or by asking staff on the day at larger stations.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Why book Sheffield to Leicester trains with TrainPal?

  • Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?

    Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Sheffield to Leicester start from just €5.15 on TrainPal.

  • Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?

    TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., East Midlands Railway, Northern, CrossCountry on the Sheffield to Leicester route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.

Sheffield to Leicester train travel guide

Taking the train from Sheffield to Leicester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Sheffield, you can arrive at Leicester in just 1h 3m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

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

Ticket prices from Sheffield to Leicester average around €5.15, 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 Sheffield to Leicester?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Sheffield to Leicester.

What is the fastest train from Sheffield to Leicester?

The fastest train journey time from Sheffield to Leicester is 1h 3m . 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 Sheffield to Leicester?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Sheffield to Leicester. 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 Sheffield to Leicester?

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Sheffield to Leicester train timetables?

While Sheffield to Leicester 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 Sheffield to Leicester 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 Sheffield to Leicester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Sheffield to Leicester 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?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

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

Other things you might be interested

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

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific 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 Sheffield to Leicester route?

The route from Sheffield to Leicester 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

    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.

  • Bicycle

    A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules 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

    Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.

How to buy cheap Sheffield to Leicester 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.