If you're looking for train tickets to Nottingham, look no further. Secure cheap East Midlands Railway (EMR) tickets by booking in advance. Download our app to take advantage of our SplitSave feature, which will look for opportunities to split your ticket to Nottingham - saving money without you having to lift a finger.
Nottingham is the home of one of Britain's best-loved and most enduring legends - but there's much more to this historic university city than Robin Hood. Its famous castle dates back to the 11th century, and later centuries saw Nottingham establish a reputation for fine lace manufacture, giving the city centre a rich legacy of industrial architecture. Today, former warehouses are home to shops, bars, and apartments, giving Nottingham an attractive, modern centre perfect for city breaks and shopping trips.
How to find cheap train tickets to Nottingham
There are a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Nottingham to help you save money and explore the city that Robin Hood made famous all around the world. Whether you are getting a train to Nottingham for work or leisure, our journey planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Nottingham:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Nottingham in advance: LNER and Grand Central Railways usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people you could save 33%
1. Get a Railcard
The first way you can get your hands on cheaper train tickets to Nottingham is by using a National Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do in the city. To see the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy one online, check out our Railcards page.
2. Book tickets to Nottingham in advance
Another way to save money on train tickets to Nottingham is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the more you will benefit from cheap fares to Nottingham. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops or a night out with friends penciled in the calendar, simply lookout for the “Advance ticket” type when you search for tickets using our Journey Planner or sign up to our Ticket Alert to find out as soon as your tickets go on sale. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
You could also travel at Off-Peak periods (try buying return train tickets too instead of two singles) as it's usually cheaper than Peak times (Monday to Friday rush hours). To find out more, visit our types of train tickets page and see useful ways to get the best value train fares.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
Catch the train with 3-9 friends and benefit from a GroupSave discount of up to 33%! Perfect if you’re going on a family trip or heading to Nottingham with friends.
Want even more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
Popular train journeys to Nottingham
It's easy to travel to Nottingham by train from all over the UK, including direct routes from some of the country's biggest cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester. Most trains to Nottingham arrive into the city's main railway station, Nottingham station. We've highlighted some of the most popular routes below, or you can start your search from any UK destination in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Nottingham | 1h 31m | East Midlands Railway |
| Birmingham to Nottingham | 1h 6m | CrossCountry |
| Manchester to Nottingham | 1h 43m | East Midlands Railway |
| Newcastle to Nottingham | 2h 32m | CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express |
| Leeds to Nottingham | 1h 31m | East Midlands Railway |
| Liverpool to Nottingham | 2h 34m | East Midlands Railway |
| Peterborough to Nottingham | 1h 1m | East Midlands Railway |
Getting from London to Nottingham by train
It's easy to get from London to Nottingham by train. From London St Pancras International, simply take one of the direct services operated by EMR throughout the day and you'll get to the beautiful historic city in less than two hours. EMR offers a wide range of hot and cold snacks for Standard Class passengers from the buffet bar. Upgrade to First Class and you'll enjoy at-seat dining on weekdays or free tea, coffee and a snack from the buffet bar at the weekend. For more information about EMR services, check out our dedicated page to East Midlands Railway.
If you're travelling from another city in the UK, use our Journey Planner at the top of the page – we'll show you the best journey to take, as well as the cheapest tickets to Nottingham.
Visiting Nottingham
Start with a trip into Nottingham’s long and colourful history. Nottingham Castle towers over the city from Castle Hill and makes a natural focal point for visitors – as well as visiting the museum, you can enjoy panoramic views, pose by the famous Robin Hood statue and tour the medieval caves at the foot of the hill. After that, stop for a drink at Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, a historic pub that claims to be England’s oldest.
For another angle on Nottingham history, visit the Museum of Nottingham Life. Housed in five 17th century cottages, it tells the story of the city’s inhabitants through objects they have made or owned.
In the heart of the city centre, get a taste of modern Nottingham in the Lace Market quarter, with industrial architecture and upmarket shopping and dining. There’s also high street shopping in the intu Broadmarsh centre, but with an unusual extra – an entrance on the first floor leads down to the City of Caves attraction, a warren of caverns deep beneath the shops.
If you’re looking for culture, visit Nottingham Contemporary, a large modern art centre; and sports fans will want to visit the grounds of Nottingham Forest or Notts County – the latter is the world’s oldest professional football club.
Planning your next day trip from Nottingham? Check out our dedicated guide to 7 of the best day trips from Nottingham.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Nottingham?
The main train station in Nottingham is Nottingham station, which is located just south of the city centre.
Which train companies run trains to Nottingham?
The main train company that runs services to and from Nottingham station is East Midlands Railway.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Nottingham?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Nottingham. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains running to Nottingham?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Nottingham, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Nottingham.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Nottingham?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Nottingham, these include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.