Nottingham to York Trains From £5.50*

Journey to the Viking city with ease by rail. While there is no direct Nottingham to York train, you can take a Northern train from Nottingham and change for a CrossCountry service to York at Chesterfield, Sheffield or Derby. Whichever route you choose, you’re guaranteed incredible views of lush farmland and Yorkshire countryside. Trains depart up to once an hour, taking around two hours.

Northern serves over 500 stations across the North of England, linking places like Chester, Scarborough and Preston. Meanwhile, CrossCountry centres its services around Birmingham New Street, with destinations in East Anglia, Wales, Scotland and other regions. Stops include Leicester, Reading and Cambridge. Neither operators serve Greater London.

Departing from Nottingham

Situated on Carrington Street, Nottingham train station is the city’s main railway station and the busiest in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. It offers a direct interchange with the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system. Several bus routes stop near the station, serving the city and surrounding towns.

Trains from Nottingham run to/from stations such as London St Pancras International, Cardiff Central, Peterborough and Newark Castle. Services are operated by CrossCountry, Northern and East Midlands Railway (EMR).

Main stops

Stops on trains from Nottingham to York vary according to the time, operator and route. Routes via Chesterfield or Sheffield may also stop at Ilkeston, Langley Mill or Alfreton. Journeys via Derby may stop at Beeston, Wakefield Westgate or Leeds.

Arriving at York

York railway station is located on Station Road, just 15 minutes away from the city centre on foot. You can also take one of the many buses stopping nearby or a cab from the taxi rank in front of the station.

Five operators serve the station: Northern, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), TransPennine Express and Grand Central. Destinations include Liverpool Lime Street, Aberdeen, Bristol Temple Meads and London Kings Cross.

There’s no better place to explore than York for Viking, Roman and medieval history. Walk along the ancient city walls and stop by The Shambles, a unique shopping area with timber-framed buildings, local products and eateries. For a different view of the city, why not cruise the River Ouse on a boat tour?

Northern and CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Both operators provide comfortable seating, dedicated luggage spaces and overhead racks. Northern offers free Wi-Fi on all newly refurbished trains, whereas CrossCountry has Wi-Fi in all Standard Class carriages. Hot and cold refreshments are also available for purchase on most CrossCountry services from 06:00 to 20:00. Looking to buy cheap train tickets? Get the best fares when you book in advance.
• First Class: Nottingham to York First Class accommodation is only available on CrossCountry trains. Northern doesn’t offer First Class seating or services. Passengers have larger reclining seats and more table space. Complimentary food and drink are served.

Northern and CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: While Northern allows a reasonable amount of luggage stored in the dedicated luggage spaces, overhead racks or underneath seats, CrossCountry limits luggage to one small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.) per person.
• Bicycles: Both companies allow bikes on board for free. Northern has limited first-come, first-served spaces. CrossCountry recommends reserving a space. E-bikes shouldn’t exceed 250 watts, and e-scooters are not permitted on either service.    
• Children: With both operators, kids aged 5–15 get most fares half price, and under-5s can board for free with an adult. The Family and Friends Railcard may also get you further savings. 16–17-year-olds can get up to 50% off with the 16–17 Saver Railcard.
• Pets: Up to two pets can ride with a passenger for free. They must be in a carrier or on a lead and off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Northern and CrossCountry staff can help you book assistance (e.g., managing luggage) or answer queries.

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