Manchester Piccadilly to Nottingham Trains From £3.30*

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.