More London Trains Return as EMR Restores Key Services
More EMR Intercity trains will return from 19 October, giving passengers extra options between Sheffield, Nottingham and London St Pancras. The operator will move from 92% to 96% of its full timetable, with more weekday and weekend services and a wider spread of departure times. The full timetable is not back yet, so anyone travelling after the change should still check their exact train before setting out.
EMR has been running a reduced Intercity timetable since July after reliability problems affected its fleet. Intercity services increased from 87% to 92% of the planned timetable on 1 September, and the latest change restores another group of previously withdrawn trains. The improvement is particularly useful for same-day London trips, evening returns and weekend journeys, where fewer services had left longer gaps between departures.
Which Trains Are Coming Back
- Sheffield: The 09:00 weekday train to London returns, plus earlier and later options.
- Nottingham: The 13:50 and 18:10 weekday departures to London are reinstated.
- London–Nottingham: Services at 11:35, 16:05 and 20:35 return.
- Weekends: More Saturday and Sunday services return for Sheffield, with additional Saturday trains for Nottingham.
- Check: Use the EMR website, app or National Rail journey planner before travel.
The restored trains make day trips and weekend breaks easier at both ends of the route. London St Pancras puts visitors close to the British Library, King’s Cross and Regent’s Canal, while Nottingham offers the Lace Market, Hockley and Nottingham Castle. Sheffield’s city-centre Winter Garden is free to visit, while local rail and bus links also make the Peak District a realistic option for a longer stay.
The timetable will still be 4% short of the full planned service after 19 October, so fixed bookings should be checked before travel. If an EMR service is cancelled under the reduced timetable, tickets can be used on up to two earlier or two later EMR services. Passengers who decide not to travel can request a full refund, while selected alternative operators also accept EMR tickets on affected routes.