Nottingham to Birmingham New Street Trains From £5.70*

Is CrossCountry First Class worth the upgrade?

First Class on this route is best suited to those prioritising comfort and quiet. You benefit from wider, reclining seats, extra legroom, and guaranteed access to power sockets. The quieter environment is particularly useful for business travellers. Complimentary refreshments may be offered depending on the service, but the main advantage is the increased personal space and reduced crowding.

What is the Standard Class onboard experience like?

Standard Class is practical and well-suited to a short regional journey. Most services offer Wi-Fi with limits and a trolley service for drinks and snacks. Seating is comfortable enough for the 75-minute trip, though peak services can be busy. Reserving a seat is strongly advised, especially for morning and evening commuter periods when demand is highest.

How much luggage space is available on board?

CrossCountry trains are built for longer journeys, so luggage provision is decent but competitive. You will find overhead racks for smaller items and dedicated luggage stacks near carriage doors. However, because services often originate from longer routes, space fills quickly. Boarding early at Nottingham gives you the best chance of securing a room for larger suitcases.

This route links two major Midlands cities with speed and efficiency, making it a key commuter and leisure corridor. Covering around 45 miles in just over an hour, it combines urban convenience with brief stretches of countryside.

Departure from Nottingham

Handling over 8 million passengers annually, Nottingham Station is the East Midlands’ busiest hub. The station blends historic architecture with modern facilities, and CrossCountry departures are frequent and clearly displayed.

Specific transport links

• Skylink bus service: A 24-hour connection to East Midlands Airport, stopping directly outside the station entrance.
• Nottingham City Transport buses: Multiple routes converge at Broad Marsh bus station, just five minutes away.
• Cycle access and parking: Secure cycle hubs and nearby parking facilities make it easy for commuters combining cycling with rail travel into Birmingham or beyond.

Station layout

• Platform allocation: CrossCountry services depart from Platforms 1, 3, or 4, accessible via the main footbridge with lifts and stairs for step-free navigation.
• Main concourse: The central hall features large digital departure boards, making it easy to confirm platform changes.
• Waiting areas: Enclosed waiting rooms on Platform 4 provide shelter and seating.

Pre-departure essentials

For refreshments, Pumpkin Cafe on the footbridge is ideal for a quick coffee, while Starbucks offers a more relaxed option. A WHSmith and M&S Foodhall near the barriers are perfect for grabbing a meal deal or snacks.

Onboard trains from Nottingham to Birmingham New Street

Travelling at speeds of up to 100mph, these trains complete the journey in around 75 minutes. The onboard experience is smooth and efficient, with a balance of commuter convenience and scenic glimpses across the Midlands.

The scenic side

Key landmarks

• Attenborough Nature Reserve: A patchwork of lakes and wetlands visible shortly after departure, popular with birdwatchers.
• Derby outskirts: Some services pass near Pride Park, offering a glimpse of Derby’s modern developments and transport infrastructure.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

The correct exit

• Smallbrook Queensway exit: Best for Southside destinations, including the Hippodrome and main taxi ranks.
• Stephenson Street exit: Ideal for reaching the main shopping district and central Birmingham.
• Bullring link: Follow signs to access the Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres directly, including the iconic Selfridges building.

Onward travel

• West Midlands Metro: Accessible via the Stephenson Street exit, providing tram links to Wolverhampton, the Jewellery Quarter, and key city districts.
• Bus connections: Multiple bus stops surround the station, offering extensive routes across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.
• Moor Street Station: Just a five-minute walk via the Bullring link, ideal for Chiltern Railways services towards London Marylebone.
• Taxi ranks and ride-hailing: Located near the Smallbrook Queensway exit, ensuring quick access for door-to-door travel across the city.

Walkability

Key landmarks such as Victoria Square, the Library of Birmingham, and the canals are all within a 10-minute walk. Pedestrianised streets and clear signage make navigation straightforward, meaning most travellers will not need additional transport unless heading to outer districts.