Sheffield to Leicester Trains From €4.02*

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.