- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 113 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Ely:
A coach is £12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Ely costing on average £35.
Other travel options to Ely take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 39m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (1h 43m by train vs 2h 7m by car). Tickets start at around £35 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.
Direct services run with East Midlands Railway.
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.
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.
Trains from Nottingham to Ely run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 21:47. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 1h 32m.
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 32m |
First train 4:56 |
Last train 21:47 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Nottingham to Ely trains use the Nottingham to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Ely train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
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