
No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
£15.80
On Fri 13 Feb
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
From Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly, take the fastest train in 1h 50m, typically 2h 6m. Daily, 36 trains depart from Nottingham, with the first at 05:21 and the last at 23:42. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
23:42 Nottingham | 5h 2m, 2 change | 04:44 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | 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
Taking the train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Nottingham, you can arrive at Manchester Piccadilly in just 1h 50m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
Ticket prices from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly average around £15.80, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred 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 1h 50m . 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, 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 Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed 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?
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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 route from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
-
Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
-
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.
-
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

Your plans have changed?

Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* 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.





















New user welcome pack