Midland Mainline: former routes and current operators
Midland Mainline was the National Express-era intercity operator from London St Pancras to the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The railway corridor continues, but its current operator is East Midlands Railway.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The Midland Mainline franchise started in 1996. It was centred on long-distance trains from London St Pancras through Leicester towards Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. It was distinct from Central Trains, whose regional services covered a wider range of local and cross-country routes in the same part of England.
In November 2007, the Midland Mainline operation was combined with the eastern section of Central Trains to create East Midlands Trains. That change brought London intercity and regional services into one franchise. East Midlands Railway succeeded East Midlands Trains in 2019. The spelling Midland Mainline is therefore a former company brand, while the Midland Main Line remains the name of the railway route.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical London intercity corridor
The former principal axis ran north from St Pancras through the East Midlands towards South Yorkshire. Calling patterns varied between trains.
Historical Nottingham services
Nottingham was another major intercity destination. The station group describes the former corridor and should not be read as a current stopping list.
Travelling on these routes today
Use East Midlands Railway’s current timetable for a journey along the successor intercity network. Search London St Pancras International rather than a generic London destination if you need a specific departure. Check whether the itinerary is an intercity train, a regional connection or a combination. At Nottingham, Derby or Sheffield, the present interchange can differ from a former Midland Mainline through service.
Tickets and journey choices
Old Midland Mainline promotional fares, seat maps and service guarantees are historical. For current travel, compare the ticket product and its route, time and operator conditions. A ticket to a London terminal does not automatically include every onward journey within London; check what the proposed itinerary and ticket actually cover.
Accessibility and assistance
Use current EMR assistance information and the live station pages for boarding and connections. St Pancras contains different railway services in separate parts of the station, so allow time to reach the correct platforms. Historical train descriptions cannot establish current wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets or the arrangements on a particular service.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.