- Must visit
Wollaton Hall, Natural History Museum & Deer Park
Elizabethan mansion housing Nottingham’s natural history collections, set in a large park famous for deer and film-location appeal.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
3 h 16 m
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Trains per day
3
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Nottingham will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Nottingham on Thu, May 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 16 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 3 h 36 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.






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 bus with prices starting from $18. 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 bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 132 miles (214 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Nottingham:
A bus is $38 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Nottingham costing on average $67 (€54).
Other travel options to Nottingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 20m.
Tickets start at around $67 (€54) compared to roughly $59 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.57 (€-6.11). The journey takes 4h 43m versus 3h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Nottingham trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00844 | On time 6:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 9:59 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00938 | 7:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h15 | 11:00 AM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66712 | 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 12:01 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66730 · G00688+ Y61973 | 9:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h52 | 1:02 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G01067 · G66499 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 1:22 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 transfer | |
G01067+ C21300 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 1:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 20:54. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (214 km) distance in 3h 14m.
Distance 132 miles (214 km) |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 5:14 AM |
Last train 8:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
Elizabethan mansion housing Nottingham’s natural history collections, set in a large park famous for deer and film-location appeal.
Major contemporary art gallery known for changing exhibitions, strong public programme, and striking modern architecture in the Lace Market.
Historic house museum best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron, with period interiors, collections, and landscaped gardens.
Historic quarter of red-brick warehouses, creative businesses, bars, and heritage streetscapes; one of Nottingham’s best walking areas.
Expansive parkland surrounding Wollaton Hall, loved for walking, deer spotting, and wide open views close to the city.
Trendy central neighborhood known for independent shops, street life, and a strong local character popular with younger visitors.
A famous English blue cheese long associated with the East Midlands. It is rich, creamy, and often served on cheeseboards or in sauces at pubs and restaurants around Nottingham.
A classic East Midlands savoury pie with seasoned pork in hot-water crust pastry. Melton Mowbray style pork pies are especially tied to the wider region and are widely eaten locally.
A traditional English hard cheese produced in the Midlands, known for its orange colour and nutty flavour. It often appears in ploughman’s lunches and local cheese selections.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant with tasting menus, creative modern British cooking, and one of Nottingham’s best-known food destinations.
A modern Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted Victorian coach house, known for inventive tasting menus and polished service.
A popular city-centre restaurant serving refined tapas in a stylish setting. It is well known locally for lively dining and strong cooking.
Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale restaurants cost more.
Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Nottingham Station, Nottingham -> 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.

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