The seaside resort is as popular as ever with our customers, and we are expecting another busy summer as beachgoers head to Skegness for their holidays.
What we are doing in 2026
From the May 2026 timetable change, we will operate a strengthened service between Nottingham and Skegness on key days (Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays) for the full timetable, up until December 2026. This includes:
- Enhanced staffing and customer support at Nottingham and Skegness on key days from 17 July - 5 September.
- Priority queuing for advance ticket bookings
- Extra luggage racks to be installed
We strongly recommend pre-booking a place on your chosen train. Around 85% of our Skegness customers already book ahead, which helps them secure the best prices and availability. You can book up to 12 weeks in advance. By doing this, you’ll be able to select the train you wish to travel on and will be able to book your return journey at the same time.
There isn’t the option to book a specific seat, but it will guarantee you a place on the train of your choice and a place in the priority boarding queue.
Walk-up tickets
You can still buy tickets on the day but will need to use the queuing system for the next available service. We strongly advise to purchase your ticket in advance to ensure space on your chosen route.
Luggage Guidance
We understand that our customers need to bring luggage for their trip or holiday. Smaller items can be stored safely in overhead racks or under seats, while larger suitcases should be placed in designated luggage areas without blocking aisles or exits. We encourage everyone to pack light where possible to ensure we can make the journey as comfortable as possible. Customers travelling the whole route will have their luggage loaded by the Station team into the rear coach of the train.
Skegness Travel heatmap
Use the heatmap below to plan your journey. Earlier (05:00-07:30) and later (17:30 onward) timeslots tend to offer better availability. Our busiest trains tend to be 07:30-15:00, particularly on handover days at venues in Skegness, as well as people visiting for day trips.
Frequently asked questions
Before you travel
We advise you to pre-book your place on your chosen train. Booking as early as possible will help you get the best price and availability. You can book up to 12 weeks in advance. By doing this, you’ll be able to select the train you wish to travel on and will be able to book your return journey at the same time.
There isn’t the option to book a specific seat, but it will guarantee you a place on the train of your choice.
This will mean that all the spaces on that train have already been reserved. You will not be able to buy an advance ticket for that service. You will be able to buy an anytime travel ticket, but you are not guaranteed a place on a specific train. Please consider travelling on another service.
A queuing system will be in place at both Nottingham and Skegness stations. A ‘fast-track’ queue, for customers who have a pre-booked ticket for a specific train and a separate queue for customers who have purchased on the day.
Anyone who decides to not pre-book a ticket / decide to travel on the day, will be asked to join the ‘paid on the day’ queue, if there is space available on the train after all the pre-booked customers have boarded, then you can board the train.
There isn’t the option to book a specific seat, but it will guarantee you a place on the train of your choice.
Advance tickets are available to buy from up to 12 weeks in advance. You can check what Advance ticket dates have been released here. If your date isn’t yet released, you can sign up for a ticket alert and we will send you an email when your date is available to book. Find out more about Advance tickets.
If you hold a season ticket and will be travelling from Nottingham or Skegness, you will be able to join the Fast Track queue and do not need to book a space. If travelling from the stations in between, you will be able to join the train as normal.
If you’re travelling with children under 5, they’re completely free when accompanied by fare-paying parent or guardian.
You can find ways to book passenger assistance for your journey here. With East Midlands Railway you can book assistance up to 2 hours before travel, we recommend booking in advance if you can, but if you are not able to, we will always be there on the day to help you.
There will be no direct train to Skegness from Derby this year.
Yes you can, please be advised that our mobility scooter criteria has changed , it can be viewed here.
Luggage guidance
As space is limited on trains, we recommend bringing only one bag per person to ensure it can be safely stowed on board.
Smaller bags can be stowed in the luggage racks above your head (maximum size 55cm(h) x 40cm(w) x 20cm).
Holdalls can be stored between the sets of seats. Larger bags will need to be placed in the main luggage racks in each carriage.
To help customers travel smoothly, we are offering customers the option to pick up free vacuum packs, which can be used to shrink the space taken up by their luggage, meaning more space for everyone on board.
Contact our Customer Service Centre here, phone us on 03457 125 678 or email [email protected] to order your free pack.
You will be asked to provide the following details:
- Postal address
- Date you intend to travel
- Quantity required
Arriving at the station
We advise that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to your pre-booked train departure time.
To help manage demand, we will be operating a queuing system at both Nottingham and Skegness stations – one for those who have booked in advance and have reserved a space on a service, this is the Fast-Track queue - and one for those who have paid on the day and have an Off-Peak or Anytime ticket.
Our friendly and helpful staff will be able to guide you to the right queue and support you if you don’t have a reservation.
There will be a dedicated service team available in branded Skegness Summer uniform at Nottingham and Skegness stations, who will be able to help with any assistance needed upon arrival.
We’re committed to providing the support you may need to enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. We can assist you with:
- Planning your journey, including information about train services around the UK
- Sharing information about onward modes of transport
- Selecting the most appropriate tickets for your journey
- Claiming any fare reductions you’re entitled to
- Arranging help to get on and off trains and at stations, including assisting with your luggage
- Helping you transfer between different trains
The busiest days are Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. On these days, the busiest trains are:
Nottingham > Skegness
10:45
11:45
12:45
Skegness > Nottingham
09:16
10:16
11:16
Not everyone travelling to Skegness will be boarding the train at Nottingham.
The information below will help you plan your journey from the intermediate stations or if you are a commuter that travels along this route.
Services are expected to be busy departing Nottingham and Skegness but will not be at full capacity.
If you commute between these intermediate stations, then it is advised you book your space on the specific train you require to guarantee a space.
On board our trains
Smaller bags can be stowed in the luggage racks above your head (maximum size 55cm(h) x 40cm(w) x 20cm).
Holdalls can be stored between the sets of seats. Larger bags will need to be placed in the main luggage racks in each carriage.
As space is limited on the trains, you will not be able to bring your bike with you during busy travel days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays) For the other days, we strongly advise that you pre-book your bike space before you travel to avoid disappointment. Bike spaces must be booked before the day you travel – they can’t be reserved on the day.
Pull up trolleys are welcomed on board but will need to be collapsed before boarding and stored in the luggage racks. As space is limited on trains, we recommended bringing one item of luggage per person. This can be up to 90x70x30cm in size, anything larger than this cannot be safely stored on the train.
Pushchairs are welcomed on board but will need to be collapsed before boarding and stored in the luggage racks.
Coming home
Yes, please ensure you have pre-booked your return ticket and keep any vacuum bags safe for use again on the journey home.