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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

London to Nottingham by train

It takes an average of 2h 8m to travel from London to Nottingham by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (174 km). There are normally 41 trains per day travelling from London to Nottingham and tickets for this journey start from £19.70 when you book in advance.

First train

05:05

Last train

23:35

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Nottingham

Journey time

From 1h 32m

Distance

108 miles (174 km)

Frequency

41 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £19.70

Train operators

East Midlands Railway

Travelling from London to Nottingham by train in 1h 32m

Considering a trip to the home of Robin Hood and looking for more information on how to travel by train from London to Nottingham? Look no further! 

Usually, the train from London to Nottingham takes around 1h 57m, but can take just 1h 32m on the fastest services. With around 45 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you’ll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as you don’t need to change along the way.  

When travelling on this popular route, you’ll board an East Midlands Railway (EMR) service at London St Pancras station, travel through 108 miles of Great British countryside before arriving at Nottingham station. If you fancy travelling in style, why not upgrade to First Class? With East Midlands Railway, you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast, comfy seats, wider tables, free WiFi and quieter carriages.  

Situated in the heart of the Midlands, Nottingham is a historic city revered for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Once you’ve stepped off the train in Nottingham, you can head to the city’s most popular landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, the National Justice Museum and the Old Market Square.  

If you want to snap up cheap train tickets from London to Nottingham, book an Off-Peak time – train tickets are generally cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you want to save even more, why not get a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Find out more information about how to buy cheap train tickets to Nottingham.  

Feeling ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Nottingham today! Just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to begin your search. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from London to Nottingham. For more information, keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from London to Nottingham? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from London to Nottingham take?

The average journey time by train between London and Nottingham is 2 hours and 8 minutes, with around 41 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Nottingham by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Nottingham is 1 hour and 32 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Nottingham cost?

Train ticket prices from London to Nottingham can start from as little as £19.70 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from London to Nottingham?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Nottingham without having to change trains. There are 41 direct trains from London to Nottingham each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from London to Nottingham leave?

The first train from London to Nottingham leaves at 05:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from London to Nottingham leave?

The last train from London to Nottingham leaves at 23:35. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Nottingham by train?

Trains travelling from London to Nottingham cover a distance of around 108 miles (174 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Nottingham to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Nottingham.

Cheap train tickets from London to Nottingham

Train tickets from London to Nottingham start at £19.70 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Nottingham is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

A trip from London to Nottingham with East Midlands Railway

I was heading for a day out in Nottingham to see friends and arrived at London St Pancras around 20 minutes before my train was due to depart. This meant I had time to grab a coffee and a quick bit of window shopping as I walked from the Underground entrance along the row of shops to the escalator that took me up to the East Midlands Railway platforms.

I scanned my eticket at the barrier and found my seat on the train easily as the numbers were signposted on each door and on the electronic signs inside the carriage.

Travelling with East Midlands Railway

I was travelling in Standard Class today, which offered comfortable seating, free WiFi, and a drop-down table I could use to put my phone, snacks, and water bottle on. EMR also offer First Class on their trains to Nottingham, with quieter carriages, wider seats, and a plug socket for every traveller.

The journey from St Pancras to Nottingham took around an hour and a half, only making three stops along the way at Kettering, Market Harborough, and Leicester, which meant I had a nice amount of time to read my book, listen to music and watch the countryside whisk by the window on the way.

Arriving into Nottingham train station

My train pulled into platform 7 and I headed up the escalator into the main station concourse, which was refurbished a couple of years ago and looks very smart, modern, and welcoming. I headed straight out of the station onto Carrington Street, from here it takes around 15 minutes to reach the city’s iconic Old Market Square, where I was meeting my friends and there are many shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.

About Jorja

Jorja, a Trainline employee, chose to share her experience of the journey between London and Nottingham.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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