Getting Around Nottingham
Nottingham is well served by public transport, with buses, trams, trains, and taxis all available to visitors. The city centre is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot, but the wider city is best accessed by public transport. For most journeys within the city and to nearby areas, you'll have multiple options.
Walking and Cycling
The city centre is best explored on foot, as many historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. An easy 10-minute walk from Nottingham railway station will take you to the city centre.
Nottingham has a network of traffic-free cycle routes, including sections of the National Cycle Network. These routes pass through popular destinations such as the University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, and along the tow paths of local canals and rivers. Cyclists are well catered for in the city.
The Tram Network
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is the city's modern light rail system. There are two lines that share the same central tracks before diverging at both ends. The network connects key destinations across the city and serves park and ride sites, making it an easy way to travel into the city centre from the outskirts.
Tram stops are located at major transport hubs, including directly above Nottingham railway station, giving easy connections to train services. Tickets must be purchased from machines on platforms or via the NETGo! app before boarding; travelling without a valid ticket incurs a penalty fare. A short hop fare of £1.50 is available for single journeys within the city centre. Day tickets and various discounts for young people and students are available.
Buses
Nottingham has extensive bus services operated by two main companies: Nottingham City Transport (NCT), which operates the majority of services in the city, and Trent Barton, which operates some local services and connections to nearby towns such as Beeston, Mansfield, and Derby.
Buses depart from two main bus stations in the city centre: Broadmarsh, situated near Nottingham railway and tram stations, and Victoria, located at the northern edge of the city centre. Services also run from key termini including Old Market Square, Parliament Street, and Carrington Street.
Fares vary by operator and journey type. NCT offers single fares and day tickets; Trent Barton fares vary by distance. A "Robin Hood day ticket" allows travel on any bus, tram, or local train service within the Nottingham area. A "kangaroo day ticket" covers all public transport in greater Nottingham. Student discounts are available with valid ID. Note that most NCT buses do not give change, while Trent Barton buses do.
Trains
Nottingham railway station is served by three train operating companies offering a range of services. East Midlands Railway provides inter-city services to London St Pancras (via East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, and Leicester), Norwich, Liverpool Lime Street, Newark Castle, Derby, Crewe, Leicester, Lincoln, Skegness, and Matlock. CrossCountry operates services to Birmingham New Street and Cardiff Central. Northern Trains provides services to Leeds via Sheffield.
The railway station has an easy connection to the city centre via a 10-minute walk, or via the tram stop located directly above the station.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Nottingham has a large number of licensed taxi companies. Dark green London-style Hackney Carriage taxis can be hailed on the street. Designated taxi ranks are located at several key points including Nottingham station, Wheeler Gate, the Victoria Centre, Broadmarsh bus station, and The Corner House.
Getting to and from the Airport
East Midlands Airport, located south-west of Nottingham, is served by low-cost international airlines with daily services to many principal European destinations (including Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Berlin, Oslo, and Amsterdam), as well as internal flights to Edinburgh and Belfast, and limited services to destinations such as Barbados, Mexico, and Florida.
The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and the city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic conditions. A slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs through the night hourly with a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. Both services offer single fares, return tickets, and day tickets that include travel on all Trent Barton buses in the area.
Alternatively, Birmingham Airport, about an hour away by car, offers flights to most principal European cities, as well as North American and other international destinations. This airport is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street.
Ticketing Options
- Single journey and day tickets are available from individual operators and can be used on all their services.
- The Robin Hood day ticket allows travel on any bus, tram, or local train service within the Nottingham area.
- The kangaroo day ticket covers all public transport in greater Nottingham.
- A Robin Hood prepaid card can be purchased from ticket machines around the city centre for discounted fares across operators.
- Student discounts are available with valid ID on many bus and tram services.
- Young people aged 18 and under qualify for discounts on tram and bus services.
Getting into the City from the Station
Nottingham railway station is centrally located with excellent onward connections. The city centre is a straightforward 10-minute walk away. The tram stop is situated directly above the station, providing immediate access to all tram destinations without needing to exit to street level. Alternatively, buses run from nearby stops on Milton Street.