Derby to Nottingham Trains From €1.38*

Sit back and enjoy brief countryside views before reaching Nottingham - a city steeped in history and culture. The journey from Derby to Nottingham is only around 28 minutes on an East Midlands Railway train. Direct trains operate around twice an hour.

East Midlands Railway (or EMR) runs long-distance intercity and suburban rail services to/from London and regional train routes across the East Midlands. Trains connect cities and towns like Liverpool, Kettering, Sheffield and Norwich.

Departing from Derby

Your journey starts in Derby railway station (also known as Derby Midland), south-east of the city centre on Railway Terrace, near the River Derwent’s west bank. As the busiest station in Derbyshire, frequent services depart from Derby every hour. Destinations include Plymouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. All trains are either operated by East Midlands Railway or CrossCountry. If you want to buy cheap train tickets, book your journey well in advance of the travel date.

Getting to Derby station is simple. Walk from the city centre (20 minutes) or take one of the buses stopping in front of the station. A taxi rank is also by the station entrance.

Main stops

Trains from Derby to Nottingham may also stop at Long Eaton or Beeston. There can be more or fewer stops depending on the operators, time and routes.

Arriving at Nottingham

The Derby to Nottingham train arrives at Nottingham railway station, Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands’ busiest station. It’s also the city’s main train station, conveniently located on Carrington Street. East Midlands Railway (EMR), CrossCountry and Northern trains serve stations such as Crewe, Lincoln Central and London St Pancras International. For onward travel, you can take one of the many bus routes into the city or surrounding towns, as well as the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram. Taxi ranks are on the eastern and western entrances in addition to Queens Road.

If you’re looking to tour the city, Nottingham Castle and the network of caves beneath the streets are unmissable. From Thursday to Sunday, the vibrant Bustler Market opens its doors. It’s a great space for independent businesses, street food and live music. For something with a bit more history, check out Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, the oldest inn in England, built into the cliffside with the same rock forming the foundations of the castle.

East Midlands Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Some East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains provide free Wi-Fi access and plug sockets in Standard Class carriages. Comfy seats on board either have a table or a tray table.
• First Class: Derby to Nottingham First Class tickets aren’t currently available, as EMR offers First Class accommodation on intercity trains to and from London St Pancras International. These quieter carriages offer spacious seating with individual tables, plug sockets and light food and refreshments served at your table during weekday services. You can also opt for a “First plus parking” ticket for return travel and three days’ parking at selected stations.

East Midlands Railway train travel advice

• Luggage:You are allowed to bring up to two items of luggage: one larger bag with maximum dimensions of 90x70x30 cm, plus one smaller bag or cabin-sized case.
• Bicycles: Store bikes or e-bikes in the vestibule area and stay with them throughout the journey. Pre-booking is advised (you can’t book on the travel date). You can’t take a full-size bike on trains arriving in London before 10:00 or departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. E-scooters are banned.
• Children: Under-5s travel free. Kids aged 5–15 save 50%. The Family and Friends Railcard offers a third off for up to four adults and 60% off for four children. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get tickets at half price.
• Pets: Up to two pets can board the train. They must be in a carrier or on a lead and cannot occupy seats.
• Passenger Assist: You can book assistance like alighting trains up to two hours before travel.

Get from the cathedral city to the home of Robin Hood in just 24 minutes with CrossCountry. Services operate up to three times an hour. Derby to Nottingham train journeys offer a glimpse into rural English life with lovely countryside and riverside views.

CrossCountry provides intercity trains between the South and North of England or Scotland via Birmingham, as well as regional services to/from the Midlands and Wales or East Anglia. Trains stop at stations like Tamworth, Cheltenham Spa, Manchester Piccadilly and Dundee.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: CrossCountry offers Wi-Fi in all Standard Class carriages. There are also dedicated luggage areas, overhead racks, plus hot and cold refreshments to buy on most services between 06:00 and 20:00. You can easily buy cheap train tickets when you book early.
• First Class: Derby to Nottingham First Class amenities include complimentary refreshments served at your seat, quieter carriages, spacious reclining seats and additional table space.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: You can bring one small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.) with you.
• Bicycles: CrossCountry recommends reserving a bike space. An e-bike cannot exceed 250 watts. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: For 5–15-year-olds, most fares are half price. Under-5s travel free with an adult. The 16–17 Saver Railcard offers 50% discounts for teens. Groups of adults and kids can save with the Family and Friends Railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can take two pets on board free of charge. They must be kept in a carrier or on a lead and kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need help during your journey, such as with your luggage, you can book assistance by phone, text relay service, Transreport app, or online form.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.