East Midlands Trains: former routes and current operators
East Midlands Trains was the Stagecoach-operated franchise combining London intercity services with regional routes across the East Midlands and beyond. It was replaced by East Midlands Railway in 2019.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
East Midlands Trains began in November 2007 after a substantial franchise reorganisation. It brought together Midland Mainline’s London St Pancras services and the eastern part of Central Trains. The result was a mixed network: intercity journeys to London, regional trains connecting large cities, rural services and seaside routes all appeared under the EMT brand.
The Department for Transport’s 2019 extension announcement confirmed that Stagecoach would continue operating the franchise until the August handover. East Midlands Railway then became the successor brand. Historical EMT information is useful for understanding how the network was assembled, but its timetable, train facilities and ticket products should not be treated as current EMR commitments.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical London and East Midlands intercity services
The former intercity network connected St Pancras with the principal East Midlands cities and Sheffield. Not every train called at all the stations listed.
Historical regional and coastal services
EMT also operated regional routes across the country and local branches in the East Midlands and Lincolnshire. These are examples from different routes, not one continuous itinerary.
Travelling on these routes today
Use East Midlands Railway’s current service information for the successor routes. Check whether a previously through regional journey now needs a change and whether another operator offers part of the trip. For London departures, distinguish EMR’s platforms at St Pancras from Thameslink and international services. A seaside or rural itinerary also needs a check of the return connection and planned engineering work.
Tickets and journey choices
EMT-era discounts, inclusive offers and reservation details are archived. Current tickets carry their own conditions and may be tied to a specific train or operator. Compare the fare with the actual itinerary shown, particularly when a regional service connects with a London intercity train or a parallel operator.
Accessibility and assistance
Request assistance through the current operator and check the accessible interchange route for all legs. The former EMT network contained both major staffed interchanges and small rural stations. A historical description of one cannot establish present step-free access, staffing or replacement-bus arrangements at another.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.