Nottingham to Manchester from $26: 2 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Nottingham to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$26 - DriveBest price

81.8 milesDistance

1h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Nottingham to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Type	Mo 06/01	Tu 07/01	We 08/01	Th 09/01	Fr 10/01	Sa 11/01	Su 12/01
Bus	$9	$8	$8	$9	$9	$13	$10
Train	$19	$21	$20	$21	$20	$22	$16

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Traveling From Nottingham to Manchester

Traveling between Nottingham and Manchester presents an exciting shift from the historic charm of Nottingham’s medieval architecture to Manchester’s vibrant urban culture, bustling with music, art, and modern attractions.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester’s neighborhoods each offer distinct vibes and experiences for visitors.

Northern Quarter

• Known for its indie shops and street art

• Vibrant nightlife with trendy bars

Deansgate

• Home to high-end restaurants and boutiques

• Close to major attractions and transport links

Castlefield

• Picturesque canals and historical sites

• Great for relaxing walks and outdoor cafés

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Explore these tips to enjoy Manchester’s top spots while avoiding peak crowds.

Manchester Museum

Weekdays in the morning offer quieter visits, perfect for immersive exploration.

The Lowry

Visit during weekday matinees for smaller audiences and a more intimate atmosphere.

John Rylands Library

Early mornings or late afternoons allow for peaceful strolls among its stunning architecture.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a maritime temperate climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, with rainfall occurring throughout the year; spring and early autumn generally present the best conditions for exploring the city comfortably. Being prepared for fluctuating weather contributes significantly to enjoying outdoor activities and events.

Dining Recommendation

Consider trying the famous Manchester Tart, a dessert that contrasts with Nottingham’s savory dishes, featuring a delightful combination of raspberry jam, custard, and coconut. Dining in Manchester often showcases a lively atmosphere with a diverse culinary scene that incorporates local ingredients, providing a refreshing departure from the more traditional tastes found in Nottingham.

Nottingham - Manchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Nottingham and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

03457 125 678

Website

https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$30-55

Nottingham to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Nottingham and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a smooth journey from Nottingham to Manchester, covering a scenic driving distance of 132.0 km. Prepare for a pleasant road trip lasting about 1 hour and 37 minutes. 💷 The cost of traveling by car from Nottingham to Manchester ranges from £21 to £32, providing flexibility for various budget preferences.

Average price

£20 - £31

🚆 The direct train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly operated by East Midlands Railways departs hourly and takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. 🚆 Route options from Nottingham to Manchester vary in duration and transfers, with trains departing from Nottingham station and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly station. Prices for the journey range from £24 to £43.

Departure Point

Nottingham station

Arrival Point

Manchester Piccadilly station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services for your train trip from Nottingham to Manchester may include catering options provided by East Midlands Railway, which typically offers a range of snacks and beverages. However, it's important to note that the services can vary, and purchasing food before boarding might be a good idea to ensure you have your preferred options.

• The train service from Nottingham to Manchester offers both Standard and First Class seating options through operators such as East Midlands Railway and Northern Rail. In First Class, you can expect more spacious seats, complimentary snacks, and a quieter environment. Economy seats are comfortable but will be less spacious and without the same level of amenities.

• When arriving at Manchester Piccadilly Station, which is the primary station in the city, you can conveniently leave your luggage at the station's left luggage facility. Restrooms are available, but showers are not provided. To reach the city center quickly, take the Metrolink tram from Piccadilly Station; the tram service is efficient, and tram lines 2 and 3 will take you directly to Manchester City Center.

🚌 Nottingham to Manchester by bus offers several route options. Route 1 takes 3 hours 40 mins, spanning 192 km with one transfer at Barnstaple. 🗺️ For Route 2, the journey lasts 4 hours 25 mins over 224 km with a transfer at Glasgow. 🌆 Lastly, Route 3 from Nottingham to Manchester is 197 km and takes 3 hours 50 mins with transfers at Leeds and London Victoria.

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Check the precise schedule for your chosen bus operator (FlixBus or Megabus) well ahead of your departure to avoid missed connections, especially since the first leg takes you from Nottingham to Birmingham; see their websites for the most up-to-date times: FlixBus and Megabus.

• During your transfer at Birmingham, make sure to allow yourself enough time to navigate between bus stands; plan for at least 15 minutes to switch from the Megabus stop at Brunel Street to the FlixBus departure location, which is also at Summer Row - Great Charles Street.

• Upon arrival at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, familiarize yourself with the layout of the station before you go; this hub connects easily to trams and local buses for onward travel, so grab a station map available at the information desk to help you locate your next mode of transport quickly.

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between Nottingham and Manchester is approximately 93.3 km by road. This typically takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes by car. If you prefer to travel by train, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Manchester from Nottingham.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Nottingham to Manchester is by car. It takes only 1 hour and 37 minutes to drive the 93.3 km distance. The cost of driving is usually around £21-£32 depending on the fuel prices. Taking the train is also a viable option, with a travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The prices of train tickets between Nottingham and Manchester can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the class of service. Generally, tickets range from £32 to £111 for a one-way journey.

To travel from Nottingham to Manchester without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 132.0 km and it takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete the journey by car. The prices for car rentals vary, but you can expect them to range from £21 to £32.

The most convenient way to travel from Nottingham to Manchester without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and the ticket prices range from £32 to £111.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Nottingham and Manchester. The train services are operated by East Midlands Railways and depart from Nottingham station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, with trains departing hourly and operating every day.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Manchester with over 1500 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at £23 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly to luxury options.