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Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham train ticket prices
£2.70
On Thu 01 Jan
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 05:04 and the last at 23:55. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 14m, 2 change | 17:27 Nottingham | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
15:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 49m, Direct | 17:32 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
16:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 11m, 1 change | 18:14 Nottingham | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 17m, 2 change | 18:30 Nottingham | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
16:43 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 51m, Direct | 18:34 Nottingham | East Midlands Railway | 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
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can get to Nottingham in just 1h 46m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
The average ticket fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is about £2.70, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham is 1h 46m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham route?
The Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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.
Compensation and refunds

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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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