Manchester Airport to Nottingham Trains From €7.40*

Nobody wants a long drive and traffic after a flight. Luckily, you can easily travel from Manchester Airport to Nottingham by rail, taking in farmland and industrial views. Simply take a Northern train to Manchester Piccadilly, then change for an East Midlands Railway (EMR) service to Nottingham. The whole journey takes roughly 2 hours and 16 minutes, running every hour.

Northern serves more than 500 stations across the North of England, including Rotherham Central, York and Chester. EMR operates long-distance suburban and intercity trains to/from London, as well as regional train routes across the East Midlands. Stations include Luton, Derby and Leicester.

Departing from Manchester Airport

No matter which terminal you’re travelling from, Manchester Airport station is a short walk away. It takes about five minutes to walk from Terminal 1 and 5–8 minutes from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 via the Skylink walkway. The airport also has plenty of public transport links, including coach and tram stations.

While there is no direct Manchester Airport to Nottingham train, the station offers services to plenty of destinations. Northern, Transport for Wales (TfW) and TransPennine Express run trains to Blackpool North, Edinburgh Waverley and Llandudno, among other stations.

Main stops

Stops on the journey from Manchester Airport to Nottingham vary depending on the time, route and operator. The train to Manchester Piccadilly might also call at Heald Green, while the East Midlands Railway (EMR) service to Nottingham can also stop at Stockport, Sheffield and Alfreton. 

Arriving at Nottingham

Nottingham station is the city’s main railway hub and the busiest station in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. There’s a host of attractions for all ages. The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard and its 17th-century cottages are at the foot of Nottingham Castle’s caves - a must-see for history buffs. For a nature walk a bit further afield, don’t miss Wollaton Park, where you’ll come across a tranquil lake, deer park and the spectacular Wollaton Hall.

Northern, East Midlands Railway (EMR) and CrossCountry operate services from Nottingham station. Direct trains travel to towns and cities such as Grimsby, Lincoln and Norwich.

Many buses serve Nottingham station in addition to the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram. Routes provide convenient onward travel to the city and surrounding suburbs. You can get a cab from taxi ranks at the eastern and western entrances as well as Queens Road.

Northern and East Midlands Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Northern only offers Standard Class accommodation. Its coaches have cosy seating, luggage racks and free Wi-Fi on newer trains. Some East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains offer free Wi-Fi access and power sockets in Standard Class. The seats on board either have a table or a tray table. Booking in advance is the best way to buy cheap train tickets.
• First Class: EMR only offers First Class accommodation on intercity trains to and from London St Pancras International, so Manchester to Nottingham First Class tickets aren’t currently available. First Class perks include wider seating with individual tables, power sockets and light refreshments delivered to your table on weekdays. EMR also offers “First plus parking” tickets for return travel and three days’ parking (selected stations).

Northern and East Midlands Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: Northern allows a reasonable amount of luggage, while three items (two larger pieces and a smaller bag) are permitted on East Midlands Railway (EMR) services.
• Bicycles: Bike spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on Northern trains, but pre-booking is advised for EMR services. You can’t reserve a space on the day and must stay with your bike or e-bike. E-scooters are not allowed on either train.
• Children: Under-5s with an adult travel free on both Northern and EMR services. Most fares are half price for 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders. More discounts are available for up to four adults and four children with the Family and Friends Railcard.
• Pets: Each passenger can bring up to two pets on both trains. They must be in a secure carrier or on a lead and can’t sit on the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Ask Northern and EMR staff about assistance (e.g., moving around stations and alighting trains) or for help to book up to two hours before travel.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.