Travelling from London to Nottingham by train? Hop on board and discover the unspoiled beauty of the English countryside, easily connecting two vibrant cities. This guide will help make the trip easy and successful.

Overview of train services

The primary operator on the train route from London to Nottingham is East Midlands Railway.

East Midlands Railway

Operator details

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is the primary train operator on the London to Nottingham train route, known for modern trains and dependable services, making them a popular choice among travelers.

East Midlands Railway is known for running like clockwork. The UK regional train operator knows that getting customers to their destinations on schedule is just as important as keeping them happy along the way.

Route

The East Midlands Railway London to Nottingham train route runs from London St Pancras International station to Nottingham station along 174 kilometres of fertile farmland of the English countryside, dotted by fertile farmland and quaint hamlets.

Train features

East Midlands Railway offers a comfortable travel experience with modern amenities. You’ll find the following and more on London to Nottingham trains:

• Comfortable seating with ample legroom.

• Power outlets for charging electronic devices.

• Free Wi-Fi onboard, enabling you to stay connected.

• Onboard catering services offering a selection of snacks and drinks.

Benefits

Choosing East Midlands Railway for your London to Nottingham train offers many benefits, including:

• Direct train services: EMR provides direct trains, eliminating the hassle of transfers and saving you time.

• Comfortable and modern trains: All aboard EMR's modern fleet, where creature comforts abound and you'll arrive feeling fresh. Much more spacious and comfortable than a bus or airplane.

• No hassle of renting a car: Car rental requires the pickup and return of the car, often with long lines either way. It also includes the hassle of parking. It’s expensive with extra gas fees. The train often makes a lot more sense.

• No traffic: Whether you rent a car or take the bus, you have to deal with the traffic in and around London and Nottingham. Train tracks completely bypass this inconvenience with a smooth, direct journey.

• Lower carbon footprint: Train travel is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transit. Trains produce roughly 29-41 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger per kilometre, compared to 121 grams for car transit and a whopping 254 grams for air travel. If you lean green, the train is a no-brainer.

• Discover untouched beauty: where the splendor of nature remains unfettered. Get ready to be awestruck by the cinematic landscapes that mark this journey, where hill and dale, woodland and village, combine in a dazzling display of England's rustic charm

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The fastest London to Nottingham train takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. The distance covered is roughly 174 kilometres.

Earliest and latest departure times

The first train from London to Nottingham departs at approximately 06:05 on weekdays, while the last weekday train from London to Nottingham departs at approximately 23:35.

The first train from London to Nottingham departs at approximately 06:48 on weekends, while the last weekend train from London to Nottingham departs at approximately 22:32.

Average number of daily trains

Roughly 76 trains trains leave London St Pancras everyday bound for Nottingham Train Station.

Frequency of departures

An East Midlands Railway train bound for Nottingham departs London St Pancras roughly every 12 minutes.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

Train tickets from London to Nottingham aren’t fixed in price. The cost of London to Nottingham train tickets fluctuates due to forces of supply and demand, including seasonality, advanced notice and popularity of a particular itinerary. Below are our current live pricing estimates for the London to Nottingham train under a variety of circumstances:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: CA$31.20

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: CA$44

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: CA$52

Importance of booking in advance

Train travellers are known for their spontenaity, booking tickets at the last minute on a whim for a spontaneous trip. While this is definitely possible, it isn’t necessarily the most recommended or economical way to plan a train journey. If you wait until the last minute to book, you’re likely to face higher prices, as well as a more limited selection of itineraries, seats and classes of service. You can usually book train tickets from London to Nottingham up to 6 months in advance; prices tend to go up less than 30 days in advance and again 7 days in advance.

Point-to-point tickets vs. passes

When traveling by train from London to Nottingham, you have several options, including point-to-point tickets and passes. Here’s how your options break down:

Point-to-point tickets

These are just straightforward train tickets that take you from St. Pancras to Nottingham on one specific train on a specific date and time. It’s limiting, but it’s also affordable and easy to plan.

Passes

Various passes can build a great deal of flexibility into your journey. Certain passes, for example, allow you to hop off and on as many trains as you like, up to a set number of travel days for a set period of months. Examples include the global or regional Eurail and Interrail passes. These passes can be purchased from Rail Europe.

Train stations served

The London to Nottingham train route operated by East Midlands Railway departs from London St Pancras Train Station and arrives at Nottingham Train Station.

London St Pancras

London St. Pancras, a central London hub, connects travelers with destinations in the UK and across Europe. With its bold, attention-grabbing architecture, it's little wonder visitors pour in from all over the world — up to 33 million passengers served annually. England's journey as a transportation hub began taking shape in the 19th century, driven by the rapid expansion of its rail network. St Pancras, in operation since 1868, epitomizes that spirit with its soaring blend of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture and modernity.

Facilities and services

• Counters for ticket purchases

• Automated machines for ticketing

• Comfortable seating areas

• Public restrooms

• Facilities for changing babies

• Support services for passengers with disabilities

• Secure luggage storage options

• Bicycle parking spaces

• Designated taxi pick-up area

• On-site parking options

• A variety of shops and dining establishments

• Bars and restaurants within the station

• Complimentary internet access

• Charging stations for electronic devices

• Help desks for customer inquiries

• Lost property office

• Assistance for passengers with mobility issues

• Currency exchange counters

• Car hire services

• Services for booking hotels

• International train services (e.g., Eurostar)

• High-speed train connections to other destinations

• Rooms available for meetings and conferences

Nottingham Train Station

Nottingham Train Station is an important transit hub as well as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture in its own right. In operation since 1904, it serves 7-9 million passengers annually.

Facilities and services

• Counters for purchasing tickets

• Self-service ticketing kiosks

• Passenger waiting areas

• Public toilets

• Baby care facilities

• Services for passengers with accessibility needs

• Secure storage for luggage

• Bicycle parking facilities

• Taxi service area

• Parking options for cars

• Retail stores and cafes

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access

• Charging stations for electronic devices

• Information and assistance desk

• Lost and found office

• Assistance services for disabled travelers

Travelling with East Midlands Railway – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Arrive early to ensure a stress-free start, especially during peak travel times or if you have luggage. Security comes first, so you'll need to pass a standard check before entering the station - just like at any other UK rail hub. Follow the clearly marked queue for security, place your bags on the conveyor belt for scanning and proceed through the security arch.

Navigating the stations and boarding

Inside the stations, use digital departure boards for real-time train information, including platform numbers and any potential delays. Once you reach the assigned platform for your train, await its arrival.

Train classes of service

East Midlands Railway

East Midlands Railway offers two classes of service on the London to Nottingham train — Standard Class and First Class.

Standard Class

Standard Class is a great option for those traveling on a budget. The seats are comfortable and there's usually plenty of space for luggage. You will find power sockets for your devices. Although you can purchase food and drinks, you can bring your own on board.

First Class

First Class is a step up with bigger seats and more legroom. First Class offers a more relaxed experience. You will find more peace and quiet to work or relax. A light breakfast and drinks are included on morning trains, with snacks and drinks on afternoon trains.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Travel documentation needed

Traveling by train within the United Kingdom generally doesn't involve passport control. After all, the journey takes place entirely within the same country, crossing no national borders. However, it’s a good practice to keep a form of personal identification handy, such as a driving license, passport or a national identity card.

Customs requirements

No customs check is needed when travelling from London to Nottingham by train, since you never leave the UK or cross a national border. Just keep in mind any rules that may apply to large quantities of restricted materials (tobacco, alcohol, currency, etc.), and train officials may request to search luggage at their discretion.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from London to Nottingham?

Yes, East Midlands Railway operates direct trains from London St Pancras to Nottingham Train Station.

Is there a direct train from London to Nottingham airport?

No, there isn't a direct train from central London to Nottingham Airport (East Midlands Airport, EMA). Travellers usually take a train to Nottingham train station and then continue their journey by bus or taxi to the airport.

Which train station in London goes to Nottingham?

Trains to Nottingham typically leave London from St. Pancras International. If you're a commuter relying on the London underground, this detail is crucial to commit to memory.

When do tickets from London to Nottingham go on sale?

Tickets on this route go on sale 6 months in advance.

How long is the train journey from London to Nottingham?

The fastest train journey from London to Nottingham takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes from station to station. However, actual travel times can change depending on the route the specific train takes and if it makes any intermediary stops.

How far is London to Nottingham by train?

The London to Nottingham train route covers roughly 174 kilometres of English countryside.

Can you take a day trip from London to Nottingham by train?

With convenient train schedules and a journey time of under two hours each way, you can easily explore Nottingham from London on a day trip. England in a nutshell — that's what you get with this fantastic time-saver, perfect for jetsetters on a deadline.

Is the train from London to Nottingham scenic?

While not celebrated as the most strikingly scenic route, the London to Nottingham train journey still offers glimpses of the English countryside—peaceful fields and charming villages.

Does the Nottingham to London train offer accessibility services?

Yes, East Midland Railway is ocmmitted to accessibility for all passengers and the East Midlands Railway train from London to Nottingham is no exception. East Midland Railways’ Passenger Assist program provides assistance getting on and off the train, moving luggage and navigating the train stations. East Midland Railways trains are all fully accessible.