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Sheffield to Leicester train ticket prices
€2.83
On Thu 09 Apr
Sheffield to Leicester train timetable
From Sheffield to Leicester, take the fastest train in 53m, typically 1h 3m. Daily, 38 trains depart from Sheffield, with the first at 04:40 and the last at 23:38. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:40 Sheffield | 1h 22m, Direct | 06:02 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
05:30 Sheffield | 59m, Direct | 06:29 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
05:56 Sheffield | 1h 2m, Direct | 06:58 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:30 Sheffield | 59m, Direct | 07:29 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
07:00 Sheffield | 59m, Direct | 07:59 Leicester | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
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.
East Midlands Railway: Sheffield to Leicester trains
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.
Sheffield to Leicester train travel guide
The train journey from Sheffield to Leicester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Sheffield, you can get to Leicester in just 53m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Sheffield to Leicester?
The average fare from Sheffield to Leicester is approximately €2.83, 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.
How do I find 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 53m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Sheffield to Leicester?
No, there are no direct trains from Sheffield to Leicester. 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 Sheffield to Leicester?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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
How do I find Sheffield to Leicester train timetables?
Sheffield to Leicester trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 route from Sheffield to Leicester 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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 Sheffield to Leicester route?
The train from Sheffield to Leicester is operated by Northern. 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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
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 Sheffield to Leicester train tickets

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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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