- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$9
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$13
Fastest journey on Aug 29
20 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
25 m
Trains on Aug 29
6
Distance
39 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Derby to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Leicester will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 6 trains from Derby to Leicester, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 39 km distance in an average of 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 31 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
W70776
C21534
W70779
C21535
W70773
W70776
C21535
C21534
W70779
W70785Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, while a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
59m Average total duration Fastest 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Leicester:
A bus is $8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Leicester costing on average $18.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 24m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (29m by train vs 48m by car). Tickets start at around $18 compared to roughly $11 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Leicester trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W70784 | Delayed 9:35 AM 10:32 AMDerby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 11:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21659 | On time 11:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h22 | 11:30 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21654 | On time 11:32 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 12:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70793 | On time 12:09 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h21 | 12:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70799 | On time 1:08 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h20 | 1:28 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70802 | On time 1:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 2:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70804 | On time 2:08 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h22 | 2:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21655 | On time 2:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 3:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70720+ G00900 | Delayed 2:18 PM 2:37 PMDerby station (DBY) | 1h05 | 3:42 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
C21298 · W70720 | On time 2:47 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h55 | 3:42 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W70812 | On time 3:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 4:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21666 | On time 4:08 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h20 | 4:28 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70816 | On time 4:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 5:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70818 | On time 5:08 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h21 | 5:29 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21656 | On time 6:09 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h22 | 6:31 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70825 | On time 6:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 7:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70826 | On time 7:09 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h20 | 7:29 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70829 | On time 7:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 8:03 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70832 | On time 8:09 PM Derby station (DBY) | 0h22 | 8:31 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
C21534 | 8:04 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h23 | 8:27 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70773 | 8:32 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 9:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70776 | 9:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h20 | 9:28 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70779 | 9:32 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 10:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21535 | 10:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 0h20 | 10:28 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Derby to Leicester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 but you can travel from only $6 by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 24 miles (39 km) distance in 20m.
Distance 24 miles (39 km) |
Average train duration 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Leicester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Derby to Leicester trains use the Derby to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Spondon is 4 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Spondon has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Spondon.
Available at Spondon: Parking.
Available at Spondon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Spondon: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Level ramped access to both platforms from level crossing. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on IUP, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Peartree is 2 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Peartree has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Peartree.
Available at Peartree: Parking.
Available at Peartree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Peartree: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to both platforms via ramps. These ramps have a very steep gradient. This station doesn't have tactile paving at the edge of the platforms, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on IUP, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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