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Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
£15.50
On Thu 19 Feb
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
Travelling from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly, the fastest train takes 2h 36m with an average travel time of 2h 52m. 34 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:22 and the last at 22:33. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:18 Nottingham | 2h 47m, 2 change | 00:05 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
23:08 Nottingham | 10h 27m, 2 change | 09:35 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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: Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly trains
On average, traveling directly between Nottingham and Manchester Piccadilly takes just under two hours. With up to 36 trains running per day, Manchester City Centre is just a stone’s throw away.
On your journey, you’ll pass everything from historic market towns to bustling cities and skirt around the edges of the stunning Peak District before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly.
East Midlands Railway connects the Midlands with the rest of the UK and beyond. It joins towns and cities in the Midlands with other major UK destinations such as London and Manchester. Plus, it even connects the UK to the rest of Europe, running a direct route between Nottingham and London St Pancras International.
Departing from Nottingham
Nottingham train station is located between Queen’s Road and Arkwright Street, right in the city centre, and is managed and operated by East Midlands Railway. Due to its central location, it’s easy to get to and from Nottingham train station by bus, taxi, and several other transport services.
Main stops
The great news is that there are usually only five stops between Nottingham and Manchester Piccadilly. These are at Ilkeston, Alfreton, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Stockport before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, which then goes onto Manchester Oxford Road station afterwards.
It’s always worth considering that this might be subject to change depending on circumstances like the weather or engineering works.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
The Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train first stops at one of the UK’s most prominent and well-connected train stations, Manchester Piccadilly. Located in the city’s southeast, it’s highly accessible, with buses, coaches, taxis, and Metrolink trams nearby. Additionally, purchasing a discounted ‘Plusbus’ ticket along with your train ticket allows for unlimited travel throughout the city.
After Manchester Piccadilly, the train takes you to Oxford Road station in 5 minutes, which offers excellent connections to the rest of the city as it is located in the city center near Hulme. If you’re planning to travel further north to destinations such as York or Newcastle, Manchester Victoria train station is just a 25-minute walk away.
There’s lots to do around Manchester Piccadilly. It’s just a five-minute walk from the station into the city centre, which houses a great assortment of things to see, eat, and do. Including the Arndale Centre and its surrounding shops, more independent options in the nearby Northern Quarter, or visiting the Football Museum near the entertainment-focused Printworks.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Standard Class is the most popular and budget-friendly choice, and it offers comfortable seating. Passengers also benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets for all devices.
- First Class: East Midlands Railway does not offer a Nottingham to Manchester First Class ticket. As they are only available on services between Nottingham and London St Pancras International.
If you ever want to upgrade your train fare, it’s best to buy cheap train tickets in advance through services like TrainPal.
East Midlands Railway travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Reservations are highly recommended, as each train has only two cycle spaces. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Assist with journey planning, ticket selection, fare reductions, and train seat bookings. We provide help with boarding, alighting, luggage handling, and transferring between trains.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Nottingham, you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 2h 36m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
The average fare from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly is approximately £15.50, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
What is the fastest train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
The fastest train journey time from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly is 2h 36m . 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 Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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 Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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 Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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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