Trains from London to Nottingham from £20.60

Heading to Nottingham for a day out, a weekend away, or even just a change of scenery? The train is one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to get there. With direct routes from central London and plenty of services to choose from throughout the day, hopping on a train means you can ditch the traffic and enjoy a relaxed journey through the English countryside.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get from London to Nottingham by train, including which services to take, the cheapest ways to book, and what to expect when you arrive, whether it’s historic pubs (and there are many!), indie shops or even a stroll through Sherwood Forest you’re after.

The closest station to Nottingham city centre is Nottingham Station, perfectly placed for diving straight into the city’s mix of history, nightlife and creative flair. From here, it’s just a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Lace Market, Nottingham Castle and Old Market Square. If you’d prefer not to walk, you can hop on the Nottingham Express Transit tram, which stops right outside the station and links you to key spots around the city.

Inside the station, you’ll find all the essentials: ticket machines, staffed counters, accessible toilets, cafés and shops. There’s also step-free access and lift service to platforms, making it easy for everyone to get around.

What line is London to Nottingham?

The main train line connecting London to Nottingham is called the Midland Mainline, which connects London to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. The journey covers approximately 110 miles and takes just over two hours, though there are a handful of faster services available depending on what you need to travel, which take approximately 1h 36m. Services typically run between 05:00 and 23:35, and with around 46 trains running each day, you won’t struggle to find a service that works for your schedule.

Which train company goes to Nottingham?

The main train line connecting London to Nottingham is operated by East Midlands Railway, with regular direct services departing from London St Pancras International. East Midlands Railways usually have over 35 trains running this route daily, so there are plenty to choose from.

Train fares between London and Nottingham can vary quite a bit depending on the time of day, how early you book, and whether you’ve got a Railcard. Advance tickets can start from as little as £20.60, while peak-time fares often land between £60 and £75. If you’re travelling with someone else or as a family, using a Railcard like Two Together or Family & Friends can save you up to a third on most journeys.

First Class options are also available on many East Midlands Railway services, with more space, free Wi-Fi and a quieter carriage if you fancy a more relaxed ride.

Most direct trains from London to Nottingham depart from London St Pancras International and take around 2 hours, sometimes a little less. You won’t need to change trains, which makes it an easy and fuss-free journey. While the majority of services use St Pancras, there are occasionally connections from London King’s Cross, though these tend to involve at least one change and a slightly longer journey.

Buying train tickets to Nottingham at London St Pancras International is quick and easy. You have the option to use the self-service ticket machines found throughout the station, or you can use the staffed counters. However, a lot of travellers use Trip.com, which allows you to book online, access your tickets ahead of time and avoid delays at the station, which is known for being busy.

Both London St Pancras International and Nottingham Station offer a range of amenities and nearby attractions. At London St Pancras International, you’ll find everything from high street shops and cafes to restaurants and bars. The station is fully equipped with free WiFi, plenty of seating, accessible facilities and wow-worthy architecture. If you have time to spare before your train departure, you can wander over to the nearby British Library or take a short walk to Coal Drops Yard for shopping and dining.

Nottingham Station is much smaller, but still well-equipped with cafés, ticket machines and accessible facilities. Once you're out, it’s just a short walk or tram ride to the heart of the city — perfect for exploring Nottingham Castle, grabbing a drink in a historic pub, or wandering through the quirky streets of Hockley.