Birmingham to Nottingham: Cheapest vs quickest vs best

Joshua Pearson

Published: Mar 20, 2026

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Birmingham to Nottingham: Cheapest vs quickest vs best

The 50-mile journey between Birmingham and Nottingham across the English Midlands is one of the region’s most frequently travelled routes. People make the trip when commuting between the two cities’ thriving employment hubs, shopping at destinations like the Bullring & Grand Central, or attending major exhibitions and concerts at venues such as the National Exhibition Centre and the Utilita Arena Birmingham. They are two of the UK’s biggest cities after all.

Transport connections also make Birmingham a key gateway for onward travel. Birmingham New Street railway station is one of the UK’s busiest rail hubs, offering extensive national connections, while Birmingham Airport links travellers to destinations across the UK, Europe, and beyond.

This guide will compare the different types of transport you can take from Birmingham to Nottingham, and will help you choose the most suitable and efficient option.

What is the best method of travel?

Method	Average Duration	Average Price	Frequency
Train	1h 05m – 1h 15m	£15 – £25	~35 departures per day
Coach	1h 15m – 2h	From £7.70	~5 – 8 departures per day
Car	~1h 30m (traffic dependent)	£10 – £20 fuel	Anytime (depends on driver)

Quickest way: Train (1h 5m fastest)

Cheapest way: Coach (from £7.70)

Recommended way: Train

Why: It’s the easiest way to travel, offering convenience and low hassle. It’s the fastest, has frequent departures, and direct services between Birmingham New Street railway station and Nottingham railway station, all making it easier than ever.

Birmingham to Nottingham by train

Train services between Birmingham and Nottingham are mainly operated by CrossCountry, with direct routes running from Birmingham New Street railway station to Nottingham railway station. The fastest journeys take around 1 hour 5 minutes, while most trips average about 1 hour 15 minutes. There’s no lack of trains either, with around 35 trains running each day, typically one per hour.

Ticket prices can start from around £6–£7 if booked in advance, while typical fares range from £15–£25. Flexible Anytime tickets generally cost £40+, depending on demand and travel time. To save money, travellers should consider booking tickets several weeks in advance, travelling during Off-Peak times, or using a Railcard, which typically provides around one-third off eligible fares.

Onboard, trains usually include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and luggage storage areas, making the journey comfortable for commuters and leisure travellers alike. Arriving at Nottingham railway station is particularly convenient because it is located close to the city centre, within walking distance of shopping areas, offices, and public transport links such as trams and buses.

Birmingham to Nottingham by coach

Travelling by coach between Birmingham and Nottingham is an affordable option, mainly operated by National Express and Megabus. Coaches usually depart from Birmingham Coach Station and arrive at Nottingham Broadmarsh Bus Station, both located close to their respective city centres.

The journey typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Ticket prices generally start from about £7–£10, making coaches one of the cheapest ways to travel on this route, with around 5–8 services per day.

Onboard features often include Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable reclining seats, and luggage storage. The main pros are the low ticket prices and comfortable seating, while the cons include longer travel times compared with trains and fewer daily departures.

You can book coaches here by simply switching the toggle on the top of the page to ‘Coaches’.

Birmingham to Nottingham by car

Driving from Birmingham to Nottingham covers a distance of around 50 miles and typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The most common route follows the M42 motorway and A42 road, which then connects to the M1 motorway or A453 road into Nottingham.

Fuel costs are usually around £10–£20 for the trip, and there are no toll roads on the standard route.

The main pros of driving include flexibility, the ability to travel at any time, and the option to stop along the way, while the cons include traffic congestion, parking costs, and potential delays during peak hours.

For parking in Nottingham, travellers often use central options such as Broadmarsh Car Park or Victoria Centre Car Park, while Park & Ride facilities like Phoenix Park Park & Ride provide a convenient way to avoid city centre traffic.

Where to stay in Nottingham?

Nottingham offers a wide range of accommodation, from stylish city-centre boutique hotels to budget-friendly chains and quiet countryside retreats just outside the city. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or a business trip, staying in the city centre, Lace Market, or Castle area provides easy access to major attractions, shopping, restaurants, and transport links.

Here are five hotel options covering different budgets and styles:

Hart's Hotel

A stylish boutique 4-star hotel near the castle area with views over the city and landscaped gardens. Rooms typically start around £170+ per night, making it a great choice for a luxury city break.

Lace Market Hotel

A boutique hotel located in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market district, known for its characterful design and central location near galleries, bars, and restaurants.

Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel

A mid-range hotel in the trendy Hockley area, close to independent shops, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar)

A budget friendly chain hotel offering comfortable rooms and reliable amenities, often with prices starting around £40–£70 per night depending on the season.

Colwick Hall Hotel

A historic country house hotel set in a Grade II listed building just outside the city centre by the River Trent, ideal for a quieter and more scenic stay.

Overall, city centre hotels are best for sightseeing and nightlife, while properties slightly outside the centre like Colwick Hall offer a more relaxed setting with easy access to Nottingham’s attractions.

What to check out when in Nottingham?

Nottingham is a vibrant Midlands city known for its rich history, lively culture, and excellent shopping. Famous for its links to Robin Hood, the city blends medieval heritage with modern attractions, making it a great destination for weekend breaks, family days out, and cultural visits.