Nottingham to Manchester Airport Trains From £5.20*

In only 2 hours and 14 minutes, you can travel from Nottingham to Manchester Airport with East Midlands Railway. This well-travelled route spans 54 miles, with 109 services operating daily. While not direct, a single, easy change, usually at Manchester Piccadilly, makes the journey straightforward. From there, Northern takes over, continuing the journey to Manchester Airport. Trains run from early morning, with the first departure at 05:21 and the last train at 23:30.

The route connects the East Midlands to the North West, passing through scenic countryside and major hubs like Sheffield.

East Midlands Railway connects London with key Midlands cities, including Nottingham, Leicester, and Sheffield. It extends north to Manchester and serves regional routes that link smaller towns and major airports. Its services range from Intercity trains on the Midland Main Line to local connections across the East Midlands.

Northern, operated by Northern Trains Limited, is the UK's second-largest train operator, running around 2,500 daily services to over 500 stations across northern England. It connects major cities, towns, and scenic areas in the North West, North East, and the East. Key destinations include Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, York, and coastal towns like Blackpool and Scarborough.

Departing from Nottingham

Nottingham Station, the busiest in the East Midlands, is located in the heart of the city. It is located on Carrington Street and is easily accessible by tram, bus, taxi, or even direct coach services like Skylink Express to East Midlands Airport. The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram network connects the station to key areas across the city. PLUSBUS tickets are valid on local trams, and taxis are readily available from multiple ranks nearby.

From Nottingham Station, East Midlands Railway operates frequent services to London St Pancras, Sheffield, Leicester, Derby, Manchester, and other key destinations. The station is also served by Northern Trains and CrossCountry, providing wider connections across the UK. EMR regional services link smaller towns across the East Midlands, while coach connections offer seamless access to East Midlands Airport.

Main stops

Travelling with East Midlands Railway from Nottingham to Manchester Airport involves a short connection at Manchester Piccadilly. Key stops along the EMR Intercity route include Sheffield before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, where you transfer to a local train to the airport.

Arriving at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport Station is just under 10 miles south of Manchester Piccadilly, perfectly situated for onward air travel. Opened in 1993 alongside Terminal 2, the station is integrated with the airport complex and connected to all terminals via a covered walkway. It also links with Manchester's Metrolink tram network, offering direct trams to the city centre and beyond.

Train services from Manchester Airport are operated primarily by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express, running at 10-minute intervals throughout the day. Key destinations include Manchester Piccadilly, London, York, Sheffield, and Liverpool.

For those with time to spare, the nearby Runway Visitor Park offers a unique spot to watch aircraft. Manchester's key landmarks, such as the Trafford Centre and Science and Industry Museum, are a short journey away by train or tram.

East Midlands Railway train classes

East Midlands Railway offers two travel classes: Standard and First Class. However, on the Nottingham to Manchester Airport route, only Standard Class is available, as this is served by EMR's regional fleet rather than its Intercity trains.

Standard Class on EMR regional trains includes two- and four-seat configurations, with tables and access to Wi-Fi and power sockets on selected services.

First Class includes extra legroom, quieter carriages, and complimentary refreshments. It is only available on EMR's London-bound Intercity services and is not part of the Nottingham to Manchester Airport route.

East Midlands Railway train travel advice

Travelling with EMR is straightforward and comfortable, but here are a few key tips to make your journey smoother:

• Luggage: You're allowed one large item and one small bag. Store items in racks or designated spaces, and avoid blocking walkways or doors.
• Bicycles: Non-folding bikes require booking and are subject to space availability. Folding bikes are treated as luggage and do not need a reservation.
• Children: Kids aged 5 to 15 receive a 50% fare reduction. Under 5s travel free, and families can benefit from Family and Friends Railcard discounts.
• Pets: You can bring up to two dogs or small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead and not occupy seats; other pets must be in carriers.
• Passenger Assist: For assistance, book in advance by phone, through EMR's website, or via the Passenger Assist app. Support is available for boarding, mobility needs, and navigating stations.

Northern train classes

Northern operates Standard Class only, with no First Class available. Although lacking a First Class option, Northern's newer and refurbished trains provide modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and charging points across the fleet.

Northern travel advice

Here are some important tips and information to make your journey with Northern easier and more enjoyable:

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three items, including one large suitcase, a cabin-sized bag, and a smaller handbag or backpack. All bags must be carried by the passenger and stored in overhead racks, under seats, or luggage areas without blocking aisles or doors.
• Bicycles: Non-folding bikes travel free on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of two bikes per train. Folding bikes are treated as luggage and require no reservation. E-bikes are not permitted.
• Children: Children under 5 travel free with a fare-paying adult and need no separate seat. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 qualify for half-price fares with a child ticket. Proof of age may be requested for older children.
• Pets: Up to two small pets per passenger are allowed free if kept on a lead or in a rigid carrier, off seats, and without disturbing others.
• Passenger Assist: Assistance can be booked in advance via the National Rail Passenger Assist website or app. It offers help such as boarding help, ramps, and guidance for those with mobility or sensory needs.

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