- Must visit
Nottingham Castle
Historic castle museum on Castle Rock with galleries, caves and exhibitions exploring rebellion, art and the city’s long story.
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
3 h 14 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Nottingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Nottingham will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Of the 19 trains that leave Cardiff for Nottingham every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 16 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
G00941
G00900
G66712
G00946
G00947
G00947
G00941
G00946
G00905
G66712Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Nottingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 214 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£44 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Nottingham trains for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 18:50 Cardiff | 3h36 | 22:26 Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 21 August | |||||
W35160+ G66987 · G00682 | 5:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h29 | 9:22 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G66712 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 12:01 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35432+ G66730 · G00688 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h43 | 13:02 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G01067 · G66499 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 13:22 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
G01067+ C21300 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 13:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
G15043+ G00869_G01067+ C21300 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h28 | 13:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G15043+ G00869_G01067 · G00814+ W70874 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h01 | 13:50 Nottingham station (NOT) | 3 changes | |
G15043+ G00869_G01067 · G66499 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 13:22 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G00941 | On time 10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h14 | 13:59 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15044+ G01069+ C21299 | 10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 14:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G00900 | 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 15:02 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35182+ G01073+ C21298 | 11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 15:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
W35182+ G01073 · G66504 | 11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 15:22 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G00947 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h14 | 15:59 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15047+ G01074 · G66506 | 12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 16:22 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G15047+ G01074+ C21297 | 12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 16:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G00905 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 17:01 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35187+ G01080+ C21296 | 13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 17:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 changes | |
G00946 | 14:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 18:01 Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Nottingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 20:54. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 3h 14m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 20:54 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Nottingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nottingham trip today.
Historic castle museum on Castle Rock with galleries, caves and exhibitions exploring rebellion, art and the city’s long story.
National museum dedicated to justice, crime and punishment, with immersive courts, cells and law galleries in former legal buildings.
Independent contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market showing changing exhibitions, talks and events in a distinctive modern building.
Historic quarter of warehouses, churches and creative venues, ideal for walking, architecture, independent shops and hidden courtyards.
Central square framed by major civic buildings, fountains and seasonal events, serving as Nottingham’s main gathering place.
Victorian public park with formal gardens, boating lake, deer park and woodland walks beside the dramatic hall.
A soft white cob filled with chips, often with salt, vinegar or curry sauce. It is a classic East Midlands fast-food staple tied to local cob culture.
A local bread roll from Nottingham and the East Midlands, known for its flour-dusted crust and soft centre. It is central to regional sandwich and bakery traditions.
A hard, crumbly blue cheese traditionally made in Nottinghamshire. It is one of England’s best-known historic cheeses and a strong local dairy speciality.
Modern British tasting menus in an intimate, elegant setting. A strong choice for refined dining in the city centre.
Well-known city-centre steakhouse and bar in a historic lace-market cellar. Lively atmosphere with grilled meats and cocktails.
Popular restaurant serving southern Indian dishes and street-food favourites. Casual, colourful and dependable for bold flavours.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and local transport stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Nottingham Station -> Old Market Square, Nottingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Nottingham by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Nottingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Nottingham trains use the Cardiff Central to Nottingham station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Nottingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.
ATMs are available at Nottingham.
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a category A access station. There are lifts available to all platforms and there is level and ramp access to the concourse and ticket office/machines. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: none, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster at station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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