- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Nottingham to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 07
Cheapest price on Sep 07
$12
Average ticket price on Sep 07
$19
Fastest journey on Sep 07
20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
34 m
Trains on Sep 07
6
Distance
35 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nottingham to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Leicester will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Fast trains
On Mon, Sep 07, we found 6 trains from Nottingham to Leicester, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 07 the direct trains cover the 35 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
On Mon, Sep 07 the slowest trains will take 49 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.
W706859:12 AM0h30Nottingham station (NOT)9:42 AMLeicester station (LEI)$121One-way0 transfers- W706808:12 AM0h26Nottingham station (NOT)8:38 AMLeicester station (LEI)$121One-way0 transfers
- W706838:50 AM0h20Nottingham station (NOT)9:10 AMLeicester station (LEI)$151One-way0 transfers
- C211939:33 AM0h50Nottingham station (NOT)10:23 AMLeicester station (LEI)$231One-way0 transfers
- C211978:30 AM0h49Nottingham station (NOT)9:19 AMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers
- W706838:50 AM0h20Nottingham station (NOT)9:10 AMLeicester station (LEI)$151One-way0 transfers
- W706808:12 AM0h26Nottingham station (NOT)8:38 AMLeicester station (LEI)$121One-way0 transfers
- W706859:12 AM0h30Nottingham station (NOT)9:42 AMLeicester station (LEI)$121One-way0 transfers
- C21829 · C216678:16 AM0h47Nottingham station (NOT)9:03 AMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way1 transfer
- C211978:30 AM0h49Nottingham station (NOT)9:19 AMLeicester station (LEI)$261One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Nottingham to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 5m. 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 $8, while a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 21 miles (35 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Nottingham to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $8.
This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Leicester:
A bus is $11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Leicester costing on average $19.
The fastest way to travel from Nottingham to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 35m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nottingham and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Nottingham 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 17m sooner (35m by train vs 52m by car). Tickets start at around $19 compared to roughly $10 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
Nottingham to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Leicester trains for today, Sunday, September 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C21661+ G01099 | Delayed 1:06 PM 1:16 PMNottingham station (NOT) | 1h14 | 2:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| C21686 | On time 2:10 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 2:41 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21798 · W70777 | On time 2:23 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1h08 | 3:31 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W70687 | On time 3:06 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h35 | 3:41 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70783+G01105 | Delayed 3:06 PM 3:12 PMNottingham station (NOT) | 1h18 | 4:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| C21826 · W70783 | On time 3:23 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1h07 | 4:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| W70693 | On time 4:10 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 4:41 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21668 | On time 4:47 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h24 | 5:11 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70699 | On time 5:10 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 5:41 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70702 | On time 5:47 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h25 | 6:12 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21680 | On time 6:10 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 6:41 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21685 | On time 6:47 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h24 | 7:11 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70709 | On time 7:06 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 7:37 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70713 | On time 7:59 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h31 | 8:30 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 7 | |||||
| W70680 | 8:12 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h26 | 8:38 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21829 · C21667 | 8:16 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h47 | 9:03 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
| C21197 | 8:30 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h49 | 9:19 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70683 | 8:50 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h20 | 9:10 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W70685 | 9:12 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h30 | 9:42 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C21193 | 9:33 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0h50 | 10:23 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Nottingham 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.
Mon
Sep 07
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Sep 13
Why should you book Nottingham to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Nottingham to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nottingham 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 to find the best option for your trip from Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Nottingham to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Nottingham to Leicester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 but you can travel from only $6 by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (35 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 21 miles (35 km) |
Average train duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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, CrossCountry from Nottingham to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Nottingham 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 East Midlands Railway Duration
20m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
$6
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
41m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$15
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require 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
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.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most Leicester buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; tap or buy tickets in the official app before boarding.
- Leicester has no tram or metro system, so local public transport is mainly by bus operated by companies such as First Bus and Arriva.
FAQs: Trains from Nottingham to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham 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.
Train ticket prices from Nottingham to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $6, while the average price is around $19.
The train from Nottingham to Leicester takes 20m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Nottingham to Leicester is 21 miles (35 km).
The first train from Nottingham to Leicester leaves at 12:08 AM.
The last train from Nottingham to Leicester leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Nottingham to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Nottingham to Leicester. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Nottingham to Leicester.
The train station in Nottingham that goes to Leicester is Nottingham station (NOT), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Nottingham to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around $6.
The train journey from Nottingham to Leicester offers a pleasant ride through the English countryside, featuring views of rolling hills, farmland, and occasional glimpses of picturesque villages, though it is not typically considered among the most scenic in the UK.
Yes, a day trip from Nottingham to Leicester is feasible as the journey takes 20m, covers 21 miles (35 km), and trains run 8 times per day.
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 Nottingham to Leicester.
Since neither Nottingham 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 Birmingham, Derby, Loughborough, Beeston, Hinckley.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Leicester
Most Nottingham to Leicester trains use the Nottingham to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Nottingham
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Nottingham station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Nottingham to Leicester leave from Nottingham. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Nottingham city centre at Nottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ.
NottinghamNottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Nottingham from Nottingham city centre
Bus9B, 8, 11, 6, 10, 9, 11C, 10C, 10X, 7, 5, 5A, 11B, 12, 12C, 12E, 10A · 3m · every ~58 min
48, 1, 3, 48X, 1A, 48A, 3A, N4, 1B, 1E · 4m · every ~24 min
Kc · 5m · $5 · every ~12 min
20 · 10m
TramTram · 4m · $5 · every ~58 min
Nottingham train station facilities and services
Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Nottingham.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham. 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a category A access station. There are lifts available to all platforms and there is level and ramp access to the concourse and ticket office/machines. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: none, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster at 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Nottingham arrive at?
Trains from Nottingham to Leicester most often arrive at Leicester. Some services arrive at Narborough, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leicester arrival station.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · $2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · $2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Nottingham
More options for your journey from Nottingham to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Nottingham
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