Derby’s capital link boosted by faster and more frequent East Midlands Railway services

Derby’s capital link boosted by faster and more frequent East Midlands Railway services

East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) service between Derby and London will be quicker and more frequent when the company introduces its new timetable on May, 16.

The changes will provide more seats, quicker journeys, and a simpler and more resilient timetable for communities across its network, with earlier and later services supporting leisure, business and tourism journeys.  

Passengers travelling from Derby are set to benefit from several specific enhancements to the current service, including quicker peak journey times to London St Pancras International and consistent departure times through the day.

Day trippers or passengers wanting more flexibility will also be able to take advantage of the new timetable which will see the first train arrives at London approximately 45 minutes earlier than today and the last train leaves approximately one hour later.

Also, EMR has designed the timetable in a way which keeps the fastest off-peak journey times to London under one hour and 40 minutes - in the most cases. 

The new timetable is made possible by the successful delivery of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line Upgrade by Network Rail, working in partnership with EMR and other neighbouring train operators. 

Examples of New Timetable

Derby to London St Pancras (old journey times in brackets)

03:56 – 06:10 – two hours 14 minutes (New service)
04:18 – 06:34 – two hours 16 minutes (New Service)
04:47 – 07:03 – two hours 16 minutes (one hour 52 minutes)
05:30 – 07:09 – one hour 39 minutes (one hour 49 minutes)
06:02 – 07:39 – one hour 37 minutes (two hours four minutes)
06:28 – 08:08 – one hour 40 minutes (one hour 53 minutes)
07:05 – 08:39 – one hour 34 minutes (one hour 50 minutes)
07:33 – 09:09 – one hour 36 minutes (one hour 48 minutes)
08:05 – 09:38 – one hour 33 minutes (one hour 31 minutes – when comparing to current Master Cutler service at 0756 from Derby)

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: “This new timetable represents an exciting new chapter for train services in the region and will bring significant benefits to the communities we serve, including Derby.

“The £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade has allowed us to provide more seats, quicker journeys and a simpler, more resilient timetable.

“It has been an incredible team effort to put this timetable in place, especially during a period so heavily affected by covid and that is why we are so proud to be able to launch this new timetable.

“It will enable better regional and intercity connectivity, helping people get to work and enjoy their leisure time, and provides a timely and welcome boost to our local economies and passengers.”