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

East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) service between Leicester 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 Leicester 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 arrive in London approximately 15 minutes earlier than today while the fastest off-peak journey times to London will be under one hour and 15 minutes.

Later evening services will also make it possible for passengers to visit the theatre, or go for dinner and then catch the train home. 

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

Leicester to London St Pancras (old journey and time in brackets)

06:02 – 07:09 – one hour seven minutes (one hour 32 minutes)
06:10 – 07:31 – one hour 21 minutes (New service)
06:30 – 07:39 – one hour nine minutes (one hour 30 minutes)
06:43 – 07:56 – one hour 13 minutes (one hour 25 minutes)
07:00 – 08:08 – one hour eight minutes (one hour 21 minutes)
07:14 – 08:27 – one hour 13 minutes (one hour 22 minutes)
07:30 – 08:39 – one hour nine minutes (one hour 19 minutes)
07:43 – 08:57 – one hour 14 minutes (one hour 25 minutes)

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 Leicester.

“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.”