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Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train ticket prices
£4.50
On Thu 16 Apr
Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train timetable
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham, the fastest train takes 1h 46m with an average travel time of 2h 11m. 43 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:02 and the last at 23:55. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 47m, Direct | 12:30 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 14m, 1 change | 13:17 Nottingham | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 9m, 2 change | 13:22 Nottingham | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
11:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 47m, Direct | 13:30 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
12:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 14m, 1 change | 14:17 Nottingham | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
East Midlands Railway: Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains
Swap “Cottonopolis” for the lace capital of the Industrial Revolution with a direct East Midlands Railway train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham, arriving in just under two hours.
Travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham and soak up striking views of the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales, with rolling hills, rugged moorland and historic villages.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) connects passengers to the heart of the East Midlands and beyond. With intercity and regional services running to key destinations like Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, as well as onward links to Manchester Piccadilly and London St Pancras International, EMR offers a simple and convenient way to travel the region and beyond.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
Situated on Station Approach in the heart of the city, Manchester Piccadilly is one of the UK’s busiest and most well-connected rail stations, and can be easily accessed by tram, bus or taxi. It’s also just a short walk from the public transport interchange at Piccadilly Gardens.
With direct routes to cities like Liverpool, London, Blackpool, the Lake District and Llandudno, Manchester Piccadilly is a gateway to both destinations across the region and nationwide, with regular services from CrossCountry, Northern, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express.
Managed by Network Rail, Manchester Piccadilly is a key transport hub for both Greater Manchester and beyond.
Main stops
Relax aboard your Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train, passing through major stops such as Stockport, Dore & Totley, Sheffield, Chesterfield and Alfreton.
Arriving at Nottingham
Located on Carrington Street, Nottingham Station lies at the southern edge of the city centre and is just about a 10-minute walk away from Nottingham’s vibrant heart, with its medieval heritage and thriving creative scene.
Managed by East Midlands Railway, Nottingham station offers frequent East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and Northern services, connecting the city with London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, as well as an extensive regional network across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Exit the station onto Trent Street, and it’s just a short walk from here to Nottingham’s highlights. Discover Nottingham Castle and its historic caves, explore the atmospheric Lace Market, or take a short trip to Wollaton Hall, Batman’s iconic “Wayne Manor” from the Dark Knight Rises, or walk in the footsteps of Robin Hood in nearby Sherwood Forest.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Enjoy free Wi-Fi on intercity services, comfortable seating with at-seat plug sockets, and tray tables or standard tables on Meridian trains. A trolley service with drinks and snacks is also available on some services.
- First Class: First Class is not available on East Midlands Railway’s Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham service.
East Midlands Railway travel advice
Before you board your Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train, here’s everything you need to know before you travel – from luggage allowances and assisted travel to guidance on travelling with bikes, children and pets.
- Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items on board free of charge, including suitcases, backpacks and carry-ons. Larger items can be stowed in overhead racks, the space below your seat, and designated luggage areas.
- Bicycles: Bikes are welcome on all East Midlands Railway services without a reservation, subject to availability. Please store bicycles in designated bike or luggage areas, ensuring they don’t block aisles or wheelchair spaces.
- Children: Kids aged five and under can travel for free, while those aged 5-15 are eligible to receive 50% off standard fares. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can save too with a 16-17 Saver railcard, offering half-price fares all year.
- Pets: You can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and smaller animals should travel in pet carriers. All pets must be well-behaved and are not allowed on seats.
- Passenger Assist: Passengers requiring help with boarding, navigating stations, carrying luggage or reserving a wheelchair space can book assistance in advance through Passenger Assist. Just add it when booking your ticket, through the app, or by speaking to staff at the station on the day.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train travel guide
Travelling by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can reach Nottingham in just 1h 46m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham average around £4.50, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is 1h 46m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.

Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham route?
The route from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.





















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