- Must visit
Nottingham Contemporary
Major contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market with changing international exhibitions, talks, and events in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
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 $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Nottingham on Sat, Jun 20, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 18 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 $25.
Distance: 132 miles (214 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 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 $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 $59 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.46 (€-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, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G66712 | On time 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 12:01 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66730 · G00688+ W35432 | Delayed 9:10 AM 9:19 AMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h43 | 1:02 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G01067 · G66499 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 1:22 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 transfer | |
G01067+ C21300 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 1:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 transfer | |
G00869_G01067+ G15043+ C21300 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h28 | 1:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G00941 | On time 10:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h14 | 1:59 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01069+ G15044+ C21299 | Delayed 10:42 AM 10:50 AMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 2:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G00900 | On time 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 3:02 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01073+ W35182+ C21298 | Delayed 11:42 AM 11:50 AMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 3:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G00947 | On time 12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h14 | 3:59 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01074+ G15047+ C21297 | Delayed 12:42 PM 12:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 4:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G00905 | On time 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 5:01 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01080+ C21296+ W35187 | Delayed 1:42 PM 1:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 5:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G00946 | On time 2:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 6:01 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01082+ C21295+ G15048 | Delayed 2:42 PM 2:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 6:14 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2 transfers | |
G66797 | On time 3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 7:01 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $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.
Major contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market with changing international exhibitions, talks, and events in a striking modern building.
Museum and art collections inside the restored castle complex, covering local history, decorative arts, and changing exhibitions.
Interactive museum in the former Shire Hall and county gaol exploring crime, punishment, and the legal system through historic courtrooms and cells.
Historic district of red-brick warehouses, creative businesses, bars, and heritage streetscapes, now one of the city's trendiest areas to explore.
Large deer park surrounding Wollaton Hall, popular for walks, views, seasonal colour, and social-media-friendly landscapes.
Main public square and gathering point in central Nottingham, convenient for events, people-watching, and access to nearby shopping streets.
Historic English blue cheese long associated with the East Midlands. Rich, creamy, and one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
A crumbly, nutty orange cheese from nearby Leicestershire, commonly enjoyed in the region in ploughman’s lunches and cheeseboards.
A classic Midlands snack of hot-water-crust pastry filled with seasoned pork, often eaten cold in pubs, markets, and picnic lunches.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for creative tasting menus, polished service, and one of Nottingham’s most celebrated food experiences.
Popular stylish restaurant serving Spanish-inspired small plates with strong local reputation for quality and a lively social atmosphere.
Historic pub beneath Nottingham Castle, famous for traditional British dishes, ales, and a distinctive heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and city-centre dining cost more.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. No tip is expected for pubs or counter service.
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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