Cardiff to Nottingham train with CrossCountry

Fri 21 Aug
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CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Nottingham

Showing times and prices for 21 Aug

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • CrossCountryG00941
    10:453h14
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:59Nottingham station (NOT)
    £281One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00900
    11:453h17
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:02Nottingham station (NOT)
    £281One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG66712
    8:453h16
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:01Nottingham station (NOT)
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00946
    14:453h16
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:01Nottingham station (NOT)
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00947
    12:453h14
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:59Nottingham station (NOT)
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Nottingham

Omio 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

Compare train with

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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Nottingham train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry18:50 Cardiff
3h36
22:26 Nottingham0 changesdirect
Friday 21 August
Great Western RailwayW35160+CrossCountryG66987 · G006825:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h29
9:22 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG667128:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h16
12:01 Nottingham station (NOT)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35432+CrossCountryG66730 · G006889:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h43
13:02 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG01067 · G664999:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
13:22 Nottingham station (NOT)1 change
CrossCountryG01067+East Midlands RailwayC213009:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
13:17 Nottingham station (NOT)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15043+CrossCountryG00869_G01067+East Midlands RailwayC213009:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h28
13:17 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15043+CrossCountryG00869_G01067 · G00814+East Midlands RailwayW708749:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h01
13:50 Nottingham station (NOT)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15043+CrossCountryG00869_G01067 · G664999:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h33
13:22 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG00941
On time
10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h14
13:59 Nottingham station (NOT)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15044+CrossCountryG01069+East Midlands RailwayC2129910:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
14:17 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG0090011:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h17
15:02 Nottingham station (NOT)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35182+CrossCountryG01073+East Midlands RailwayC2129811:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
15:17 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35182+CrossCountryG01073 · G6650411:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
15:22 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG0094712:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h14
15:59 Nottingham station (NOT)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15047+CrossCountryG01074 · G6650612:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
16:22 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15047+CrossCountryG01074+East Midlands RailwayC2129712:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
16:17 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG0090513:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h16
17:01 Nottingham station (NOT)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35187+CrossCountryG01080+East Midlands RailwayC2129613:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
17:17 Nottingham station (NOT)2 changes
CrossCountryG0094614:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h16
18:01 Nottingham station (NOT)0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Nottingham by coach or train

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.

Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug

Why should you book Cardiff to Nottingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains or Cross Country offer trains services from Cardiff to Nottingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Nottingham.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Nottingham.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Nottingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Nottingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Nottingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Nottingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13

Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country from Cardiff to Nottingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Nottingham from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
£18
CrossCountry frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Price
£66
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
£169
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Nottingham

Things to do in Nottingham

Discover the best of Nottingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nottingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Nottingham Castle

Historic castle museum on Castle Rock with galleries, caves and exhibitions exploring rebellion, art and the city’s long story.

  • Recommended

National Justice Museum

National museum dedicated to justice, crime and punishment, with immersive courts, cells and law galleries in former legal buildings.

  • Recommended

Nottingham Contemporary

Independent contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market showing changing exhibitions, talks and events in a distinctive modern building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and local transport stay fairly affordable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Cardiff to Nottingham train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Nottingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Cardiff to Nottingham covers a distance of 214 km and takes approximately 3h 14m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Nottingham is 214 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Nottingham leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Cardiff to Nottingham departs at 20:54.
Trains from Cardiff to Nottingham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Nottingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Nottingham. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Cardiff to Nottingham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Nottingham.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Nottingham is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Nottingham station (NOT).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Nottingham is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Nottingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Nottingham offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the picturesque Welsh countryside, the rolling hills of the Midlands, and charming towns along the way, making for a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to Nottingham is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 14m. However, trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 214 km.
In Nottingham, visitors can explore the historic Nottingham Castle with its panoramic views and museum exhibits or visit Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan mansion in a deer park that houses the Nottingham Natural History Museum. The City of Caves offers a fascinating underground adventure through the sandstone caves, while Nottingham Contemporary showcases diverse art exhibitions. For a taste of history, stop by Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Old Market Square, unwind at Attenborough Nature Reserve, or catch a performance at Nottingham Playhouse. Green's Windmill and Science Centre and The Arboretum also offer engaging experiences for all ages.
A stay of two to three days in Nottingham is generally recommended to explore its main attractions, such as Nottingham Castle, the City of Caves, and Wollaton Hall, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Nottingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Nottingham

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Nottingham
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central 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 and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Nottingham

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Nottingham Cardiff to Nottingham train

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