Our Complete Guide to University of Nottingham Train Travel

Standing out for its global presence, the University of Nottingham is a high-ranking research-led institution with campuses not just in the UK, but in China and Malaysia too. With strong industry connections combined with beautiful green campuses in a city voted one of the UK’s best for students, it’s definitely worth a visit.

And getting there is a breeze when you go by train, thanks to Nottingham’s central location within the UK’s train network. And given that the University of Nottingham is known for its sustainability efforts, arriving by train puts you in the same bracket as the University, as train travel has a much lower footprint than travelling by car.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about train travel to this UK university, with details on stations, routes and student discounts ahead.

The main train station for getting to the University of Nottingham is Nottingham station, as it offers numerous connections across the UK. However, if you are travelling locally or from London or Birmingham, you can also get off at Beeston station, which is slightly closer to the University Park campus. East Midlands Parkway rail station is also close to Sutton Bonington Campus.

Nottingham station is located about 10 minutes from Nottingham city centre, with connections to bus and tram services. The station provides plenty of options for onward travel if you fancy a day trip, such as Lincoln and Melton Mowbray. Popular inter-city routes from here include London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

Nottingham station is around 4 km (2 miles) from both the University Park and Jubilee campuses. The walk would take around 40 minutes each, or you can take the tram for around 10 minutes, with various stops around the campuses. Buses also run from nearby Canal Street to University Park and the north side of Jubilee campus, but routes to other parts of campus run from other stops in the city centre.

Train operators serving Nottingham station include East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and Northern. At the station, you’ll find heated waiting rooms, shops and refreshments, bike storage facilities, a multi-storey car park as well as the usual ticket facilities.

Here is an in-depth look at the most popular train routes from UK cities to the University of Nottingham. Please note: Specific times and services are subject to change. Always check the latest information before travelling.

London to the University of Nottingham trains

• Departing station: London St Pancras
• Arriving station: Nottingham station (Beeston station also possible)
• Earliest departure: 00:46
• Latest departure: 23:54
• Average journey time: 1 hr 50 min
• Approx. distance: 172 km (107 miles)
• Additional travel required: 10–15 minute tram to the relevant campus.
• Train operators: East Midlands Railway
• First Class: Roomier seats with a table, quieter carriages and a catering service from Monday to Saturday.
• Main stops: Kettering, Leicester, East Midlands Parkway (others possible).

Birmingham to the University of Nottingham trains

• Departing station: Birmingham New Street
• Arriving station: Nottingham station (Beeston station also possible)
• Earliest departure: 05:19
• Latest departure: 23:09
• Average journey time: 1 hr 15 min
• Approx. distance: 172 km (107 miles)
• Additional travel required: 10–15 minute tram to the relevant campus.
• Train operators: CrossCountry
• First Class: Yes, including bigger and roomier seating, with complimentary food and drink on some routes.
• Main stops: Tamworth, Derby, Beeston (others possible).

Leeds to the University of Nottingham trains

• Departing station: Leeds station
• Arriving station: Nottingham station
• Earliest departure: 02:34
• Latest departure: 23:11
• Average journey time: 1 hr 51 min
• Approx. distance: 98 km (61 miles)
• Additional travel required: 10–15 minute tram to the relevant campus.
• Train operators: Northern
• First Class: No
• Main stops: Dronefield, Chesterfield, Ilkeston (others possible).

The University of Nottingham is a research-focused institution with campuses in the UK as well as in Malaysia and China. Its main campuses in the UK, University Park and Jubilee Campus, are located in the City of Nottingham, while smaller campuses are dotted around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Its history began with the founding of an adult education school in 1798, progressing to the establishment of University College Nottingham in 1881 and eventually being granted a Royal Charter in 1948.

The University of Nottingham is recognised for its strong graduate outcomes and industry connections, often targeted by top employers, which makes it a great choice for career-focused students. Some standout programmes at the University include History, Psychology and Economics.

Nottingham’s award-winning campuses offer excellent facilities, with a stunning mix of period buildings and modern facilities. Their sustainability commitments are also recognised, with the Jubilee Campus winning awards for its environmentally friendly nature.

If you want to take in the beautiful architecture and greenery of the University of Nottingham’s campuses – and perhaps find out more about their courses and programmes – their grounds are always open to the public for self-guided tours, and guided campus tours can be booked on their website.

If you’re travelling to the University of Nottingham as a student, you’ll be eager to find out how to get the cheapest student train tickets. Luckily, we have the top tips for the best deals on train travel to Nottingham. 

Firstly, if you’re under 25 or a mature student, get your hands on a 16–25 Railcard for discounts of ⅓ on most fares as well as discounts on purchases beyond transport. Simply buy it on the Trainpal app or website, and you can apply the discount to tickets bought there.

For further savings, you can even use your Railcard with two other money-saving train ticket strategies: Booking in advance and off-peak. Advance tickets are available up to 12 weeks before departure and offer average savings of 61%. Off-peak tickets are for travel outside busy commuter times, which tends to be cheaper.

If you use these tips when booking your tickets on TrainPal, you’re sure to find the cheapest train tickets to the University of Nottingham.

Is there a direct train from London to the University of Nottingham?

Yes, there are up to 43 trains per day from London to the University of Nottingham. They depart from London St Pancras and you have the option of routes to Nottingham station or Beeston station, both of which are easily accessible from the University of Nottingham.

Can I get student discounts on train tickets?

Yes, with the 16–25 Railcard, you can get student discounts of 33% on most fares. This can be used by anyone aged 16–25 as well as mature students over 26.

Are there luggage storage facilities at Nottingham station?

No, Nottingham station does not have luggage storage services within the station. However, there are several businesses offering luggage storage services within a five-minute walk from the station.

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