Derby to Nottingham Trains From €1.96*

• CrossCountry operates the fastest Derby-to-Nottingham train, with services calling at fewer intermediate stops, such as Long Eaton and Beeston. Services are available up to twice an hour, and fares are very affordable.
• East Midlands Railway (EMR) run as frequently as CrossCountry services, but can be on the pricier side. However, the operator’s services are a great option if you want to take the first train to Nottingham. Board early morning services at 04:47 on weekdays, 04:56 on Saturdays and 08:13 on Sundays.

Spanning 13 miles (21 kilometres), the short train ride from Derby to Nottingham is a pleasant journey with a peek into the English countryside. Follow these tips and tricks to make the trip seamless.

Departure from Derby

Begin your journey by the River Derwent’s west bank at Derby station. With minimal or light luggage, walking to the station is easily doable from the city centre, about 20 minutes away. Buses and cabs also stop in front of the station.

• Getting to the platform: Derby station has seven platforms, connected to the main concourse via a footbridge with lifts to all platforms and the Pride Park exit on Roundhouse Road. Platforms 1–6 are further separated into two sections, labelled A and B. The Derby to Nottingham train usually departs from platforms 3A, 4A and 6A.
• Pre-departure essentials: In the main concourse, you’ll find outlets and sit-in cafés for quick refreshments before boarding your train. Grab a coffee from Costa or treat yourself to a pastry from Greggs next door. You’ll also find travel items and meal deals in the main concourse at WHSmith. If you’ve already passed the ticket barriers or are coming in from the Pride Park entrance, beverages and snacks are available from Café Local between platforms 4A and 5A, as well as the Costa kiosk between platforms 6A and 7.

On board trains from Derby to Nottingham

You’ll fly through the short distance between these cities on a Derby to Nottingham train. Apply our local knowledge for the best onboard experience.

• Views from the window: As you leave Derby station behind, you’ll immediately cross Bottle Wood and the River Derwent. The route runs along more shimmering waterways. Keep an eye out for sailboats and wildlife at the Attenborough Nature Reserve between Long Eaton and Beeston.
• Where to sit: You’ll find rural views on either side, but a seat on the right unveils the most scenic stretches of the Trent Valley.

Arriving at Nottingham

Your train from Derby to Nottingham terminates at the East Midlands’ busiest station, a convenient starting point for journeying into the city centre or transferring to travel links onward. 

• Carrington Street exit: Nottingham station’s main exit is served by many local buses and is around the corner from the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram stop on Station Street.
• Queens Road exit: Heading to the south of the city? This exit offers quicker access, as well as paths to the station car park, bicycle parking area and taxi rank.
• Local transport: Situated just 15 minutes from the city centre, you can take a tour of the best spots entirely on foot, from Nottingham Castle to the underground caves. For other destinations or ways to get around with luggage, frequent Nottingham City Transport (NCT) buses and NET trams will pick you up outside the station. More bus routes operate across the canal from Broadmarsh bus station, just a three-minute walk.