Trains to Nottingham
Cheap Trains to Nottingham - A vibrant city known for iconic folklore, rich history and dynamic culture
Travel by train and start your Nottingham adventure the easy way - relaxed, refreshed, and ready to explore. With frequent rail services from major hubs such as Sheffield, Leicester, Derby, Birmingham, and London, getting to Nottingham by train is both affordable and straightforward.
Whether you're in the mood for a quiet afternoon in one of its scenic parks, a cultural tour through its galleries and museums, or a night out in its eclectic mix of independent bars, restaurants, and live music venues, Nottingham delivers.
Travelling with EMR means you can sit back and enjoy a smooth train journey with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, onboard catering, and great value fares when you book in advance. Skip the stress of driving and parking - hop on a train and arrive right in the heart of the city.
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Frequently asked questions about trains to Nottingham
If you're travelling to Nottingham by train, booking in advance is the best way to get a cheaper fare. Last-minute tickets are typically more expensive, as they’re subject to higher demand and limited availability — especially during peak travel times.
East Midlands Railway usually releases Advance tickets up to 12 weeks before departure, and these can offer significant savings compared to fares purchased on the day. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the lowest prices and the best choice of departure times.
Off-peak tickets are also a great way to save money, offering reduced fares for travel outside of the busiest times. These are available on many EMR services into Nottingham, making it cheaper to travel mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or in the evening.
East Midlands Railway is committed to making travel accessible for all. Most EMR trains serving Nottingham are equipped with step-free access, priority seating, accessible toilets, and space for wheelchairs. Staff assistance is also available at Nottingham Station during most operating hours.
Yes, you can bring your bike on East Midlands Railway services to Nottingham. However, space is limited, so we recommend reserving a bike space in advance, especially on longer-distance routes. Folding bikes are welcome on all services and do not require a reservation, as long as they are fully folded and stored safely.
Nottingham is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and the city’s parks and green spaces are in full bloom or rich with autumn colour. These seasons are perfect for exploring Nottingham’s historic landmarks, enjoying outdoor dining, or attending one of its many cultural events.
Summer is ideal for festivals and open-air events, while winter transforms the city into a festive hub with Christmas markets, light displays, and cosy pubs. Whatever the season, Nottingham offers something unique for every visitor.
Nottingham hosts a vibrant calendar of annual events and festivals that celebrate everything from music and literature to food and heritage. Some highlights include:
- Nottingham Goose Fair (October): One of the oldest and largest travelling fairs in Europe, with rides, games, and traditional food stalls.
- Nottingham Carnival (August): A colourful celebration of Caribbean culture with music, dancing, and vibrant costumes.
- Nottingham Poetry Festival (Spring): Showcasing local and national poets in a range of venues across the city.
- Splendour Festival (Summer): A major one-day music festival held in Wollaton Park, featuring a mix of top artists and emerging talent.
- Light Night Nottingham (February): A family-friendly event transforming the city with installations, performances, and illuminated trails.
Whether you're into arts, heritage, or live entertainment, Nottingham’s events calendar has something for everyone.
The first and last trains to Nottingham will vary depending on your departure location and the day of the week you’re travelling. Use our online journey planner to find live train times for travelling to Nottingham.
The first trains to Nottingham typically arrive around 6.00 in the morning on weekdays and Saturdays, and roughly 8.00 on Sundays. The last trains to Nottingham generally depart from their origin station 22.00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and 21.15 on Sundays.
Train times may vary slightly depending on the day of the week, and weekend or Bank Holiday schedules may differ, with earlier finishes or later starts. For the most accurate and up-to-date travel times, we recommend using the EMR online journey planner or checking our live departure boards before you travel.
There are plenty of reasons why taking the train to Nottingham is the smart choice compared to other travel options.
- Direct Routes & Frequent Services: With East Midlands Railway, you can reach Nottingham easily from major cities like London, Sheffield, Leicester, and Derby. Regular direct services throughout the day make it simple to travel at a time that suits you.
- Speed & Ease: Trains offer fast and efficient journey times to Nottingham - often quicker than driving, especially during busy traffic periods. Plus, you’ll arrive right in the city centre, just a short walk from key attractions.
- Comfortable Journeys: Enjoy a relaxing ride with plenty of leg room, onboard WiFi, and the option to grab refreshments to sit back and enjoy the journey with.
- Great Value: Train travel to Nottingham can be cheap, especially when you book in advance or use a Railcard. Say goodbye to fuel costs, tolls, and expensive city-centre parking.
- Sustainable Travel: Travelling by train is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around. Reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a comfortable and efficient trip.
- Arrive in the Heart of the City: Nottingham Station is centrally located, giving you easy access to shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and key landmarks the moment you step off the train.
Book cheap train tickets to Nottingham with EMR and save on your next trip to this vibrant city. Here are 5 ways to save money on your trains to Nottingham today.
Book advance tickets to Nottingham
If you’re planning a rail journey to Nottingham, booking train tickets in advance can save you even more money on your trip. Advance tickets usually go on sale 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you book, the cheaper your train fare to Nottingham is likely to be.
Find out more about Advance Tickets
Railcard discounts to Nottingham
Using a discount railcard to book cheap train tickets to Nottingham is the easiest way to save up to 1/3 on your journey.
Best time for cheapest train tickets to Nottingham
When seeking the cheapest train tickets to Nottingham, off-peak or super off-peak rail tickets are a brilliant way to save money on your fare.
Find out more about Off-peak Tickets
Discounted group train tickets to Nottingham
If you’re travelling to Nottingham by train as a group of three or more, there are group discounts available.
Find out more about Group Tickets
Download our FREE EMR train app for the best deals
Save time and money when booking your next rail trip to Nottingham by downloading the free EMR app.
Find out more about the EMR Train App
To see more money saving tips, head over to our guide on how to get cheap train tickets.
Many trains go direct to Nottingham from various parts of the country, so jump onboard with East Midlands Railway. We run intercity services to Nottingham from London and Leicester, and direct regional services from across our network.
- From London to Nottingham – check trains and buy tickets
- From Leicester to Nottingham – check trains and buy tickets
- From Sheffield to Nottingham – check trains and buy tickets
Trains from London to Nottingham are available from several stations in London, including St. Pancras International, King's Cross, and London Liverpool Street. The journey time and ticket prices may vary depending on the departure station and the time of travel, but on average takes 2h 8min.
Nottingham train station has everything you need for a simple, stress-free journey.
- Fully accessible – wheelchair access, assistance to and from platforms, and hearing loops available
- Food and drinks – there are plenty of places to refuel, with coffee shops, bars and shops in the station
- Parking – you’ll find a 24 hour multi-storey car park on nearby Queens Road
- WiFi access – enjoy free internet access on the station
- Local connections – you can get connections on to the Robin Hood Line and Poacher Line
Must See Nottingham Attractions | Trains to Nottingham
Visit Nottingham by train for a host of attractions to explore. At Nottingham Castle you can discover thrilling tales of Robin Hood and the rebellion, explore historic caves, and let their carefully curated art collections and exhibitions inspire you.
At the National Justice Museum, hear captivating true stories come to life within the museum’s original courtrooms, prison cells and dungeons. From experiencing ancient dungeons to engaging with contemporary exhibitions and events, law and justice are brought to life in new and exciting ways.
Jump onboard the train to Nottingham and explore the cities key sites, while you learn all about the famous legend Robin Hood on the multi award winning Robin Hood Town Tour.
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Direct Trains to Nottingham | Enjoy Food and drink
Jumping on the train to Nottingham is a great way to see the city’s mix of independent bars and restaurants, as well as your favourite chains. Visit England’s oldest inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. The pub is nestled beneath the cliff of Nottingham’s historic castle and discover the charm that has drawn people to this ancient pub for centuries.
Head to Hockley to soak up some of Nottingham’s indie charm, with quirky bars and restaurants. Home to The Hockley Arts Club a three-story speak easy offering experimental cocktails and posh comfort food in their upstairs dining room. In Hockley, you’ll also find The Boilermaker a fun speakeasy, hidden behind a boiler-repair shop.
For more information about the best places to eat and drink in Nottingham, read our ultimate guide to visiting Nottingham.
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Visit Nottingham | Music and nightlife
The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall host a range of successful touring productions, offering musicals and drama year-round. Nottingham Playhouse is a fantastic regional theatre, famous for its bold and imaginative productions.
Nottingham Arena is the biggest live entertainment venue in the East Midlands and showcases some of the biggest names in music, comedy, entertainment and sport. Rock City is another popular independent live music venue and hosts talented live artists as well as regular club nights.
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Visit Nottingham | Places to stay
Set in the historic Lace Market area of Nottingham you’ll find The Lace Market Hotel, a boutique property offering 42 fully equipped rooms with the finest amenities and a short 10-minute stroll from Nottingham Railway Station.
Located centrally is the Crowne Plaza Hotel which is a stunning 4-star city centre hotel. Opposite Nottingham Castle, you’ll find the Park Plaza with comfortable rooms, a Pan Asian restaurant and an 11th floor fitness centre with panoramic views.
For more helpful hints and tips on where to stay when visiting Nottingham, read our ultimate Nottingham guide.
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Train Trips to Nottingham | Sports and outdoor
In Nottingham you’ll find the iconic City Ground, home to Nottingham Forest Football Club. It’s easily accessible from Nottingham Station and would take 20 minutes to walk. Situated around the corner is the world-famous Trent Bridge, which has seen Test Cricket played there for over a century.
In the city centre, there’s Nottingham Ice Centre, home to the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Team and the GB Short Track Speed Skating squad. You can also take to the ice yourself as public skating sessions take place daily.
Nottingham is surrounded by green space, one of the popular places Wollaton Park. Here you can explore the grounds, spot some wild deer or see one of the many changing exhibitions at the hall.
Enjoy Nottingham's Shopping Scene
You’ll be spoilt for choice when shopping in Nottingham, from high street favourites to smaller label stores, vintage shops and independents.
The Victoria Centre is in the heart of the city centre, it has a host of high street brands, stylish stores and great restaurants. The Flying Horse Arcade is the city’s boutique retail destination, where you’ll find an array of independent businesses from fine art, luxury fashion and exceptional food and drink.
If you’re after a mix of independent stores and vintage shops, head to Nottingham’s Creative Quarter in Hockley. This is the best place for finding something a bit different to the norm.
For more inspiration, read our ultimate guide to visiting Nottingham.
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Map of Nottingham
Stations
Nottingham (NOT)
Address:Carrington Street
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG2 3AQ