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 £8.00. 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

£8.00󰄽

On Fri 29 May

  • £16.00󰄽
    Mon25 May
  • £13.20󰄽
    Tue26 May
  • £11.50󰄽
    Wed27 May
  • £11.00󰄽
    Thu28 May
  • Fri29 May
  • £11.00󰄽
    Sat30 May
  • £9.00󰄽
    Sun31 May

Sheffield to Leicester train timetable

Travelling from Sheffield to Leicester, the fastest train takes 53m with an average travel time of 1h 3m. 38 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:58 and the last at 23:38. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

17:28

Sheffield
59m, Direct

18:27

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

17:51

Sheffield
1h 6m, Direct

18:57

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

17:56

Sheffield
1h 41m, 2 change

19:37

Leicester
CrossCountry
Find tickets

18:51

Sheffield
1h 6m, Direct

19:57

Leicester
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

19:51

Sheffield
1h 6m, Direct

20:57

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 £8.00
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
53 miles (86km)
Journey time
53m
First train
04:58
Last train
23:38
Frequency
38

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

Planning and booking

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

Ticket prices from Sheffield to Leicester average around £8.00, 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?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. 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 . 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, you will need to transfer when travelling from Sheffield to Leicester. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most 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?

To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

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?

Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

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 Sheffield to Leicester route is operated by Northern. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.

  • Children

    Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.

  • 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.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

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?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* 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.