East Midlands Railway Unveils Car-Free Tourism Map on World Car Free Day 2026
East Midlands Railway and the East Midlands Combined County Authority have launched a comprehensive car-free tourism map to promote sustainable rail-and-trail travel.
Image Credit: East Midlands Railway Official Page
East Midlands Railway (EMR), in partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), has launched a new interactive Car-Free Tourism Map on World Car Free Day 2026. The regional initiative is designed to connect key cultural attractions, country parks, and historic heritage sites with public transport, encouraging travelers to explore central England without relying on personal motor vehicles.
The digital resource integrates EMR rail schedules with local bus connections, station-to-trail walking paths, and cycling networks. Available directly via EMR’s website, the map provides step-by-step navigational itineraries from major regional hubs—including Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Lincoln—to historic country houses and Peak District gateways.
[ East Midlands Car-Free Public Transit Corridor ]
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EMR Regional Rail Line Connecting Local Bus Routes Station-to-Trail Walking Paths
Nottingham / Leicester / Derby Seamless Last-Mile Transit Peak District & Country Park Trails
EMR & East Midlands Authority Launch Car-Free Tourism Map
The collaboration addresses longstanding connectivity gaps in regional leisure travel, where visitors frequently default to car travel due to fragmented transit information.
EMR CAR-FREE TOURISM MAP SPECIFICATIONS MATRIX
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Initiative Partners: East Midlands Railway (EMR) & EMCCA |
| Launch Event Date: World Car Free Day (September 22, 2026) |
| Primary Transit Modes: Regional Trains, Local Buses, Active Walking/Cycling Trails |
| Platform Availability: Digital Download & Interactive Portal via EMR Website |
| Core Hub Cities: Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Lincoln, Sheffield |
| Environmental Goal: Decarbonization of regional UK leisure travel & tourism |
| REGIONAL GREEN TRANSIT CORRIDORS MATRIX |
| Derwent Valley Line: Derby ➔ Belper ➔ Matlock (UNESCO Industrial Heritage Corridor) |
| Robin Hood Line: Nottingham ➔ Mansfield ➔ Worksop (Sherwood Forest access) |
| Ivanhoe Line: Leicester ➔ Loughborough ➔ Burton-upon-Trent links |
1. Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Corridor
Running from Derby to Matlock, the Derwent Valley Line provides direct rail access to historic cotton mills, riverfront walking trails, and Cromford Canal. The map outlines station walking routes linking platforms directly to heritage sites in Belper and Cromford.
2. Sherwood Forest & Robin Hood Corridor
Operating along the Robin Hood Line from Nottingham to Worksop, the transit map highlights connecting bus services to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Clumber Park, facilitating car-free access to ancient woodland reserves.
Passengers can use the car-free tourism map to plan their itinerary, which includes attractions such as the Peak District National Park and the historic city of Nottingham. For more information on train schedules and fares, passengers can visit the National Rail website to plan their journey in advance. By taking the train, passengers can enjoy a hassle-free journey while also reducing their environmental impact.
Interactive Digital Map Features & Bike-and-Rail Integration
Designed for intuitive mobile navigation, the EMR digital map includes real-time timetable integration and active travel recommendations.
DIGITAL MAP & ACTIVE TRAVEL CAPABILITIES
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Station Walking Links: Step-by-step walking directions from platforms to sites |
| Bus Line Mapping: Clear route numbers & bus stop locations outside stations |
| Cycle Infrastructure: Designated cycle storage bays & bike-on-board guidelines |
| Accessibility Info: Step-free access & ramp availability per regional station |
1. Integrated Bus & Walking Navigation
Every featured destination on the digital map includes exact walking distances from station platforms alongside connecting local bus route numbers, removing transit ambiguity for day-trippers.
2. Bike-and-Rail Combination Support
To support active travel, the map highlights cycle storage facilities at EMR stations and details bike-carrying policies across regional train services, allowing cyclists to combine train travel with national cycle routes.
The car-free tourism map is expected to boost tourism in the region, with visitors able to explore a range of destinations without the need for a car. For inspiration and ideas on places to visit, tourists can check the Visit Nottinghamshire website for information on local attractions, events, and activities. By promoting car-free tourism, East Midlands Railway is supporting the local economy and encouraging visitors to experience the best of the region's culture and heritage.
Traveler Logistics Guide for East Midlands Rail Days Out
For eco-conscious travelers planning a car-free day out in central England, understanding ticketing options and regional transport links ensures a smooth journey.
EAST MIDLANDS RAIL TRAVELER LOGISTICS MATRIX
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Ticketing Options: GroupSave (1/3 off for 3-9 travelers) & Advance Fares |
| Mobile Apps: EMR App for digital ticket storage & live train tracking |
| PlusBus Add-ons: Unlimited local bus travel added to rail ticket for small fee |
| Transit Connections: Direct London St Pancras International EMR Intercity links |
1. Rail Fares & Group Discounts
- GroupSave Fares: Groups of 3 to 9 passengers traveling together on EMR Off-Peak services receive a 34% discount on adult rail fares.
- PlusBus Add-on: Passengers can add a PlusBus ticket to their rail booking, providing unlimited daytime bus travel within destination towns such as Leicester, Nottingham, or Lincoln.
2. Station Accessibility & Amenities
- Accessibility: Travelers requiring step-free access or boarding assistance can pre-book support via EMR’s Passenger Assistance service up to 2 hours before departure.
- Intercity Connections: EMR Intercity services connect London St Pancras International directly to Leicester, Derby, and Nottingham in under 90 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new EMR Car-Free Tourism Map?
The EMR Car-Free Tourism Map is a new digital resource launched by East Midlands Railway and the East Midlands Combined County Authority to help travelers explore regional attractions using trains, buses, and walking trails.
When was the car-free tourism map launched?
The map was officially unveiled on World Car Free Day, September 22, 2026.
Where can travelers download the car-free tourism map?
The map is available for free digital download and interactive use on the official East Midlands Railway (EMR) website.
Which cities are connected by the EMR car-free network?
The network connects major East Midlands hubs—including Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Lincoln, and Sheffield—with regional country parks, historic stately homes, and Peak District gateways.
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