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Cardiff to Nottingham from $30: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cardiff, United Kingdom
to
Nottingham, United Kingdom

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$30 by busBest price
215.7 kmDistance
2h 43m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff to Nottingham 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.

Company
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
3h  19m
Estimated price
$95-270
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$30-41
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 215.7 km
Duration: 2h 43m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  43m
Estimated price
$50-80
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Traveling From Cardiff to Nottingham

The journey from Cardiff to Nottingham offers a fascinating contrast between the vibrant coastal culture of Wales and the rich historical heritage of the English Midlands.

Best Neighbourhoods in Nottingham

Nottingham boasts diverse neighborhoods that each offer a distinct experience.

Lace Market
• Renowned for its historic lace-making heritage.
• Home to trendy cafes and boutique shops.
The Arboretum
• Features beautiful public gardens and walking paths.
• A popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Hockley
• Vibrant arts scene with independent cinemas.
• Bustling nightlife with bars and eateries.

Best Times To Visit Nottingham's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience at Nottingham's popular sights.

Nottingham Castle
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
City of Caves
Afternoons during the off-peak season offer a quieter exploration.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Stopping by on weekdays around lunch provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

Nottingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Nottingham experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and relatively cool winters. Late spring and early autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for exploring, while understanding seasonal variations can enhance your travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Nottingham

Try the iconic Nottingham dish, Nottinghamshire Pudding, at a local pub for a hearty twist on traditional flavors. This experience, steeped in local history and featuring seasonal ingredients, provides a delightful contrast to Cardiff's seaside-inspired cuisine.

Cardiff - Nottingham operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Cardiff Central to Nottingham

Average Duration
3h 19m
Estimated price
$95-270
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Cardiff North Road to Birmingham Brunel Street

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$16-23

Bus from Navigation Street to Greyfriars

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$13-18

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

Traveling between Cardiff and Nottingham 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 scenic road trip from Cardiff to Nottingham, covering a distance of 257.5 km. Enjoy a smooth journey lasting approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. 💸 Discover affordable travel options, with car trip prices ranging from £39 to £63 for the Cardiff to Nottingham route.
Average price
£39 - £62
🚆 Embark on a direct train journey from Cardiff Central to Nottingham operated by CrossCountry. Services run hourly, taking approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to reach your destination. 🛤️ Enjoy the scenic 265 km route as you travel through the UK countryside towards Nottingham. With comfortable amenities onboard, CrossCountry trains provide a pleasant and convenient travel experience for passengers. 🎟️ Ticket prices for the Cardiff to Nottingham train vary from £75 to £213, offering flexibility for different budget preferences.
Departure Point
Cardiff Central station
Arrival Point
Nottingham station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On trains from Cardiff to Nottingham, you'll primarily be traveling with CrossCountry or East Midlands Railway (EMR). Both operators provide onboard catering services. CrossCountry offers a selection of snacks and hot drinks available for purchase, while EMR features a 'Food and Drink' service where you can pre-order meals in advance during peak hours. Always check their websites for the latest offerings: CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway.
• The journey typically offers two seating options: Standard Class and First Class. Standard Class provides comfortable seating with tables available on many trains, while First Class features more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter atmosphere. If you prefer privacy and additional services, consider upgrading to First Class with EMR for their enhanced experience.
• Upon your arrival at Nottingham station, note that there are luggage storage facilities run by Excess Baggage Company, allowing you to explore the city without your bags. The station has restrooms available, and while there are no showers, you can freshen up before heading out. For easy access to the city center, the fastest option is to take the tram service; simply board the tram number 1 directly from the station, which will take you to the city center in approximately 15 minutes.
🚌 Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Cardiff to Nottingham. Passengers need to take a bus service with transfers along the way, departing from Cardiff North Road and arriving at Greyfriars via Navigation Street, with a total journey time of around 6 hours and 20 minutes. 💷 Ticket prices for the Cardiff to Nottingham bus route typically range from £24 to £32, providing an affordable travel option for those seeking a budget-friendly way to get from one city to the other.
Departure Point
Cardiff North Road station
Arrival Point
Greyfriars station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your tickets in advance with Megabus UK or National Express, as prices can vary significantly, ranging from £23 to £31; for more details on routes and to book, visit their respective websites: Megabus (megabus.com) and National Express (nationalexpress.com).
• As there are transfers involved on your journey, be prepared for a short stopover at Navigation Street; check the bus schedules to minimize waiting time, which can be found on the Megabus website under their timetable section.
• Upon arriving at Nottingham's Greyfriars station, be ready to navigate the bus and tram connections available; the station is well-connected to the city center, so pick up a map or download the Nottingham City Transport App (available on both iOS and Android) for real-time journey planning.

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