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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Leicester to Nottingham by train

It takes an average of 38m to travel from Leicester to Nottingham by train, over a distance of around 22 miles (35 km). There are normally 103 trains per day travelling from Leicester to Nottingham and tickets for this journey start from £3.40 when you book in advance.

First train

05:28

Last train

01:51

Departure station

Leicester

Arrival station

Nottingham

Journey time

From 20m

Distance

22 miles (35 km)

Frequency

103 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £3.40

Train operators

East Midlands Railway

Travel from Leicester to Nottingham by train in just 20 minutes

Want to take a trip to the home of Robin Hood and need more information on the journey from Leicester to Nottingham by train? Start your journey with us! 

Generally, it takes around 36 minutes to travel by train from Leicester to Nottingham, although it can take just 20 minutes on the fastest services, so you’ll be enjoying the city in no time. With around 61 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way. 

On this route, you’ll jump on an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train at Leicester station. Once you’ve settled in your seat, you can begin to enjoy the onboard amenities, including comfortable seating and generous luggage storage. If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to East Midlands Railway First Class and you’ll take advantage of free WiFi and power sockets, as well as complimentary food and drink. In just 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at Nottingham station, in the heart of the city.  

Whether you’re heading to Nottingham for work, a day of shopping or an evening out, you’ll find yourself positioned close to the city’s most popular shops and restaurants as soon as you’ve left the station. Not sure what to see and do? No trip to Nottingham is complete without a visit to Nottingham Castle and the City of Caves.  

Hoping to snap up the cheapest train tickets? Try booking an Off-Peak ticket, as tickets are usually cheaper during quieter travel times on weekdays and weekends. Also, if you travel by train frequently, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.  

Keen to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Leicester to Nottingham today. There’s no need to wait, just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page! Continue reading for train timetables, FAQs and tips on how to find the cheapest train fares.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Leicester to Nottingham? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Leicester to Nottingham take?

The average journey time by train between Leicester and Nottingham is 38 minutes, with around 103 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Leicester and Nottingham by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Leicester to Nottingham is 20 minutes.

How much does the train from Leicester to Nottingham cost?

Train ticket prices from Leicester to Nottingham can start from as little as £3.40 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Leicester to Nottingham?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Leicester to Nottingham without having to change trains. There are 103 direct trains from Leicester to Nottingham each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Leicester to Nottingham leave?

The first train from Leicester to Nottingham leaves at 05:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Leicester to Nottingham leave?

The last train from Leicester to Nottingham leaves at 01:51. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Leicester and Nottingham by train?

Trains travelling from Leicester to Nottingham cover a distance of around 22 miles (35 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Nottingham to Leicester.

Cheap train tickets from Leicester to Nottingham

Train tickets from Leicester to Nottingham start at £3.40 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Leicester to Nottingham is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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