- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Derby to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 16 Aug
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£12
Fastest journey
31 m
Average duration
31 m
Trains per day
7
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Leicester will cost around £12 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Fast trains
Of the 7 trains that leave Derby for Leicester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 39 km distance in an average of 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 31 m .
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.
W708337:570h31Derby station (DBY)8:28Leicester station (LEI)£81One-way0 changes- C2167912:260h31Derby station (DBY)12:57Leicester station (LEI)£91One-way0 changes
- C42004 · C2169110:261h15Derby station (DBY)11:41Leicester station (LEI)£91One-way1 change
- C42004 · C2169110:261h15Derby station (DBY)11:41Leicester station (LEI)£91One-way1 change
- W708409:540h31Derby station (DBY)10:25Leicester station (LEI)£171One-way0 changes
- W708409:540h31Derby station (DBY)10:25Leicester station (LEI)£171One-way0 changes
- C218578:540h31Derby station (DBY)9:25Leicester station (LEI)£171One-way0 changes
- W708337:570h31Derby station (DBY)8:28Leicester station (LEI)£81One-way0 changes
- C2167912:260h31Derby station (DBY)12:57Leicester station (LEI)£91One-way0 changes
- C2167711:280h31Derby station (DBY)11:59Leicester station (LEI)£171One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £3.
Distance: 39 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Derby to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Leicester trains for today, Saturday 15 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C21217 · J21670 | On time 13:47 Derby station (DBY) | 0h55 | 14:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| J21660 | On time 14:32 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 15:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
J21669+ G00899 | Delayed 14:18 14:37Derby station (DBY) | 1h05 | 15:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C21216 · J21669 | On time 14:47 Derby station (DBY) | 0h55 | 15:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| J21659 | On time 15:32 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 16:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C21215 · J21668 | On time 15:47 Derby station (DBY) | 0h55 | 16:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| J21658 | On time 16:32 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 17:03 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C59809+G66507 | Delayed 16:39 17:01Derby station (DBY) | 1h22 | 18:23 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C21179+G66509 | Delayed 17:40 18:01Derby station (DBY) | 1h22 | 19:23 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C59817+G00690 | Delayed 18:36 18:58Derby station (DBY) | 1h21 | 20:19 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| W70833 | 7:57 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 8:28 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C21857 | 8:54 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 9:25 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W70840 | 9:54 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 10:25 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42004 · C21691 | 10:26 Derby station (DBY) | 1h15 | 11:41 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C42004 · C21691 | 10:26 Derby station (DBY) | 1h15 | 11:41 Leicester station (LEI) | 1 change | |
| C21677 | 11:28 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 11:59 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C21679 | 12:26 Derby station (DBY) | 0h31 | 12:57 Leicester station (LEI) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
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
Trains from Derby to Leicester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 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
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
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
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Derby to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Derby and Leicester from £3. 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
£3
East Midlands Railway frequency
7 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
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20m
Cheapest Price
£13
east_midlands_trains frequency
21 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
43m
Cheapest Price
£35
Cross Country frequency
4 a day
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.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 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
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
Leicester Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless tap-on and tap-off with fare capping is being introduced across Leicester buses; check the operator or Leicester Buses site for current rollout details.
- Leicester Buses Flexi tickets are valid across participating operators in the Flexi area and can be bought in participating operators’ ticketing apps.
Trains from Derby to Leicester
East Midland Trains offer daily trains from Derby Train Station to Leicester Train Station. Many services are offered by East Midland Trains each day and evening, with the first train departing from Derby Train Station at 10:00 a.m. and the last train leaving the station at 9:38 p.m. The service from Derby to Leicester is direct and the average journey duration is 22 minutes. Nevertheless, the journey time may vary slightly and will depend on the time of day that passengers choose to travel.
FAQs: Derby to Leicester train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Derby to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Derby to Leicester covers a distance of 39 km and takes approximately 20m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Leicester is 39 km.
The first train from Derby to Leicester leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Derby to Leicester departs at 23:56.
Trains from Derby to Leicester run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Derby and Leicester. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
To get from Derby to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Derby to Leicester.
The train station in Derby that goes to Leicester is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Leicester is by train, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Derby to Leicester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Derby to Leicester isn't particularly known for being scenic, as it mainly passes through urban and industrial areas, though there are some pleasant rural views along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Derby to Leicester is feasible. The journey takes only 20m and the distance is 39 km. Trains run frequently with a frequency of 7 per day.
Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Derby and 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 1 km from Derby city centre at Derby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU.
DerbyDerby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU+44 3457125678
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 · £0.90 · 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 7RX
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 · £4 · 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 8DT
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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Derby arrive at?
Trains from Derby 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.
More options for your journey from Derby to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Derby
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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