Nottingham to Chester train with East Midlands Railway

Fri 11 Sept
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East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Nottingham to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Sept

Cheapest price on 11 Sept

£32

Average ticket price on 11 Sept

£32

Fastest journey on 11 Sept

2 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 11 Sept

2 h 45 m

Trains on 11 Sept

4

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nottingham to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Nottingham to Chester will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

On Fri 11 Sept, we found 4 trains from Nottingham to Chester, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 119 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 49 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.

  • East Midlands Railway
    10:532h49
    Nottingham
    13:42Chester
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    11:532h49
    Nottingham
    14:42Chester
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    20:182h33
    Nottingham
    22:51Chester
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    8:532h49
    Nottingham
    11:42Chester
    £321One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Nottingham to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £28.

Distance: 119 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£28

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

£24

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 5m

Average total duration

4h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 11m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Nottingham to Chester is a coach with an average price of £18.

This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Chester:

A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Chester costing on average £28.

The fastest way to travel from Nottingham to Chester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 4m.

Other travel options to Chester take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nottingham and Chester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 7m sooner (2h 4m by train vs 2h 11m by car). Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £24 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Nottingham to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Chester trains for tomorrow, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
East Midlands Railway8:53 Nottingham
2h49
11:42 Chester0 changesdirect
East Midlands Railway10:53 Nottingham
2h49
13:42 Chester0 changesdirect
East Midlands Railway11:53 Nottingham
2h49
14:42 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Nottingham to Chester by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept

Why should you book Nottingham to Chester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Nottingham to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nottingham to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Nottingham to Chester.
  • 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Nottingham to Chester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Nottingham to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Nottingham to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:31, the last at 21:55. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 2h 27m.

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 £11
Distance
119 km
Average train duration
2h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 27m
First train
3:31
Last train
21:55
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
2 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 £11

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Nottingham to Chester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Nottingham and Chester from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£15
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£64
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£63
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£40
east_midlands_trains frequency
17 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£124
Cross Country frequency
15 a day

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Nottingham to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Nottingham to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Nottingham to Chester covers a distance of 119 km and takes approximately 2h 27m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Nottingham to Chester is 119 km.
The first train from Nottingham to Chester leaves at 3:31.
The last train from Nottingham to Chester departs at 21:55.
Trains from Nottingham to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Nottingham to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Nottingham to Chester.
To get from Nottingham to Chester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Nottingham to Chester.
The train station in Nottingham that goes to Chester is Nottingham station (NOT), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Nottingham to Chester is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Nottingham to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Nottingham to Chester offers pleasant countryside views, including rolling hills and picturesque villages, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Nottingham to Chester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 27m. Trains run 5 times per day.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Nottingham to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Nottingham and Chester

Most Nottingham to Chester trains use the Nottingham to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Nottingham
Arrival train stations in Chester

Which Nottingham station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Nottingham to Chester leave from Nottingham. The station is 1 km from Nottingham city centre at Nottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ.
NottinghamNottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ+44 800 200 6060ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Nottingham from Nottingham city centre

Bus9B, 8, 11, 6, 10, 9, 11C, 10C, 10X, 7, 5, 5A, 11B, 12, 12C, 12E, 10A · 3m · every ~58 min
48, 1, 3, 48X, 1A, 48A, 3A, N4, 1B, 1E · 4m · every ~24 min
Kc · 5m · £4 · every ~12 min
20 · 10m
TramTram · 4m · £4 · every ~58 min

Nottingham train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Nottingham.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Nottingham: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Nottingham to Chester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Chester Nottingham to Chester train

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