- Must visit
Wollaton Hall and Natural History Museum
Elizabethan mansion housing Nottingham’s natural history collections, set in a large deer park and well known as a filming location.
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
4 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h
Trains per day
6
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 $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Nottingham without transferring at least 2 times.
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C21361Omio 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 $25.
Distance: 132 miles (214 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $58 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 $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Nottingham costing on average $66 (€54).
Other travel options to Nottingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 20m.
Tickets start at around $66 (€54) compared to roughly $58 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.43 (€-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, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:45 AM Cardiff | 3h16 | 12:01 PM Nottingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Cardiff | 3h18 | 1:03 PM Nottingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Cardiff | 3h15 | 2:00 PM Nottingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 3h15 | 3:00 PM Nottingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:05 PM Cardiff | 4h18 | 11:23 PM Nottingham | 0 transfersDirect |
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 $25 (€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 $25 (€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 deer park and well known as a filming location.
Major contemporary art gallery with changing exhibitions, striking modern architecture, and a strong national reputation.
Interactive museum in the former courthouse and gaol, exploring crime, punishment, and legal history in Nottingham.
Creative central neighborhood known for independent shops, street style, and an atmosphere especially popular with younger visitors.
Large public parkland around Wollaton Hall with deer, wide lawns, lakes, and one of the city’s best outdoor settings.
Leafy historic private estate with elegant architecture, quiet streets, and one of Nottingham’s most distinctive walks.
A famous English blue cheese traditionally associated with the East Midlands. It is rich, crumbly, and commonly served with biscuits, bread, or in sauces.
A classic Midlands savoury pie made with seasoned pork in hot-water crust pastry. It is a traditional pub and picnic food around Nottinghamshire.
Soft cooked marrowfat peas often served with pies, chips, or roast dinners. They are a familiar comfort food across Nottingham and the wider region.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant on the edge of the city, famous for tasting menus and one of Nottingham’s best-known culinary experiences.
Well-known city centre restaurant serving refined Spanish small plates in stylish surroundings. Popular for special occasions and high-quality cooking.
Established casual spot famous for inventive burgers and a lively atmosphere, with broad vegetarian and vegan options.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service charge is uncommon outside some restaurants. Tip 10-12.5% for good table service, round up taxis, and no tip is expected in pubs or cafes.
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.

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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