Derby to Leicester train with East Midlands Railway

Sat, Aug 29
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East Midlands Railway
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Derby to Leicester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • East Midlands RailwayW70776
    9:08 AM0h20
    Derby station (DBY)
    9:28 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    $91One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21534
    8:04 AM0h23
    Derby station (DBY)
    8:27 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    $111One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70779
    9:32 AM0h31
    Derby station (DBY)
    10:03 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    $111One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21535
    10:08 AM0h20
    Derby station (DBY)
    10:28 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    $111One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70773
    8:32 AM0h31
    Derby station (DBY)
    9:03 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    $111One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Derby to Leicester

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Derby to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $9.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Derby to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 29m.

Other travel options to Leicester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Derby and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Derby to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

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.

Live departures

Derby to Leicester train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayW70784
Delayed
9:35 AM 10:32 AMDerby station (DBY)
0h31
11:03 AM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC21659
On time
11:08 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h22
11:30 AM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC21654
On time
11:32 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
12:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70793
On time
12:09 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h21
12:30 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70799
On time
1:08 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h20
1:28 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70802
On time
1:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
2:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70804
On time
2:08 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h22
2:30 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC21655
On time
2:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
3:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70720+CrossCountryG00900
Delayed
2:18 PM 2:37 PMDerby station (DBY)
1h05
3:42 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayC21298 · W70720
On time
2:47 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h55
3:42 PM Leicester station (LEI)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayW70812
On time
3:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
4:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC21666
On time
4:08 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h20
4:28 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70816
On time
4:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
5:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70818
On time
5:08 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h21
5:29 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC21656
On time
6:09 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h22
6:31 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70825
On time
6:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
7:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70826
On time
7:09 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h20
7:29 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70829
On time
7:32 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
8:03 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW70832
On time
8:09 PM Derby station (DBY)
0h22
8:31 PM Leicester station (LEI)
0 transfersDirect
Saturday, August 29
East Midlands RailwayC215348:04 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h23
8:27 AM Leicester station (LEI)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707738:32 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
9:03 AM Leicester station (LEI)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707769:08 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h20
9:28 AM Leicester station (LEI)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayW707799:32 AM Derby station (DBY)
0h31
10:03 AM Leicester station (LEI)0 transfersDirect
East Midlands RailwayC2153510:08 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 prices and tickets Derby to Leicester by train or bus

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.

Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04

Why should you book Derby to Leicester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as east_midlands_trains or Cross Country offer trains services from Derby to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Leicester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Leicester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Derby to Leicester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Derby to Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Derby to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $6
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $6

Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Derby to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Derby and Leicester from $6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20m
Cheapest Price
$7
East Midlands Railway frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Leicester

Things to do in Leicester

Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.

  • Must visit

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.

  • Recommended

Abbey Pumping Station

A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Derby to Leicester

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Derby to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $7, while the average price is around $18.
The train from Derby to Leicester takes 20m and runs 11 per day.
The first train from Derby to Leicester leaves at 12:03 AM.
The distance by train from Derby to Leicester is 24 miles (39 km).
The last train from Derby to Leicester leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Derby to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Derby to Leicester. This service operates 10 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Derby to Leicester.
The train station in Derby that goes to Leicester is Derby station (DBY), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around $6.
The train journey from Derby to Leicester offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, with stretches of rolling fields and occasional glimpses of charming villages, providing a relaxing and scenic experience.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Derby to Leicester. The journey takes just 20m with trains running 7 times per day, covering a distance of 24 miles (39 km).
Typically, 2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore Leicester's main attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Leicester.
Since neither Derby nor Leicester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Leicester include Nottingham, Birmingham, Loughborough, Beeston, Hinckley.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Derby to Leicester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Derby to Leicester

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.

Departure train stations in Derby
Arrival train stations in Leicester

Which Derby station do trains to Leicester leave from?

Trains from Derby to Leicester leave from Derby. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Derby city centre at Derby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU.
DerbyDerby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU+44 3457125678ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Derby from Derby city centre

Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · $2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · $1 · every ~2 min

Derby train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Derby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Derby.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Derby.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Derby: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

SpondonSpondon station, Station Road, Spondon, Derbyshire, DE21 7RXParkingDiningAccessibilityBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Spondon from Derby city centre

Spondon is 4 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainMatlock - Cleethorpes, Matlock - Lincoln Central, Matlock - Nottingham, Derby - Nottingham, Crewe - Lincoln Central, Matlock - Market Rasen, Ambergate - Lincoln Central, Derby - Lincoln Central, Ambergate - Cleethorpes · 4m · $2 · every ~2 min
Bus20 · 19m · $5 · every ~6 min
20 · 39m · $2 · every ~6 min

Spondon train station facilities and services

Spondon has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Spondon.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Spondon: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Spondon: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

PeartreePeartree station, Osmaston Park Road, Peartree, Derbyshire, DE24 8DTParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Peartree from Derby city centre

Peartree is 2 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus38 · 16m · $2 · every ~14 min
4 · 22m · $2 · every ~5 min

Peartree train station facilities and services

Peartree has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Peartree.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Peartree: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Peartree: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

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