- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
Cheapest price
£5
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
20 m
Average duration
25 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
39 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Derby will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
Of the 9 trains that leave Leicester for Derby every day 8 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 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 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.
W70944
W70941
W70949
W70954
C21563
W70951
W70957
C21564
W70954
C21563Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Derby 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 £4.
Distance: 39 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Derby trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W70940 | On time 7:06 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h22 | 7:28 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C21767 | On time 7:43 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h31 | 8:14 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70945 | On time 8:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h23 | 8:32 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70948 | On time 8:38 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h32 | 9:10 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C21769 | On time 9:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h21 | 9:30 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C21649 | On time 9:40 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h31 | 10:11 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70956 | On time 10:10 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h20 | 10:30 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70858 · C21333 | On time 10:21 Leicester station (LEI) | 1h00 | 11:21 Derby station (DBY) | 1 change | |
W70961 | On time 11:06 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h21 | 11:27 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70964 | On time 11:37 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h32 | 12:09 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70967 | On time 12:06 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h22 | 12:28 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C21762 | On time 12:36 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h31 | 13:07 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W71009 | On time 19:41 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h33 | 20:14 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C21770 | On time 20:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h22 | 20:31 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W70908 · C21615 | On time 20:20 Leicester station (LEI) | 1h03 | 21:23 Derby station (DBY) | 1 change | |
C21761 | On time 21:10 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h21 | 21:31 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04182 | On time 21:37 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h33 | 22:10 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04184 | On time 22:06 Leicester station (LEI) | 0h22 | 22:28 Derby station (DBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Leicester to Derby run on average 7 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 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.
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Derby Railway Station -> Derby Bus Station, Derby
Trains from Leicester to Derby are available from 5:00 a.m. until 9:38 p.m. Monday to Friday, usually leaving at a rate of 2 per hour, with peak-time fares applying before 9:20 a.m. All journeys are direct except for the last few evening departures. It's a similar story on Saturdays while on Sundays there is one departure per hour for most of the day. The service is operated by East Midlands trains.
The London Road railway station, where trains from Leicester to Derby set out, is just outside the city centre and well placed for many other key locations and amenities. The University of Leicester, Leicester Tigers Rugby Ground and the Highcross and Haymarket shopping complexes are all within a ten-minute radius by foot or a brief bus ride. It takes about 3-5 minutes to get to the station by bus from Charles Street in the city centre, around 10-12 minutes from the King Power Stadium and the National Space Centre and half an hour from Bradgate Park (home of Lady Jane Grey). A 24-hour bus service from East Midlands airport stops at St Margaret's interchange, 1 km north-west of the station.
One of the seeding grounds of the industrial revolution, Derby still has strong ties with manufacturing as the UK headquarters of Rolls Royce and Toyota, and it also has plenty to offer visitors with its roster of festivals and it's Cathedral Quarter crammed with smart boutiques and cafes. Trains from Leicester arrive at Derby railway station on Roundhouse Road. From the stands outside the station exits and on Pride Parkway, travellers can catch buses into the city centre and to the main bus station (a 3-5 minute trip) from early morning until midnight. The Skylink bus service from Derby to East Midlands Airport stops outside the train station around the clock.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leicester to Derby trains use the Leicester to Derby station pair, with some services arriving at Spondon. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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.
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