Best option from London to Nottingham: Coach — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 2h 20min – 3h 5min, from €7. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): FlixBus, National Express; main departure point: London Finchley Road Stop CL.
There are 2 ways to get from London to Nottingham
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | London Finchley Road Stop CL | €7 | 46 |
| National Express | Bus | Victoria Bus Station | €8 | 13 |
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Practical tips
Coach fares rise as seats sell out. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for Friday and Sunday departures, to lock in the lowest price and avoid disappointment.
Buying on the day is usually the costliest way to travel in Britain. Compare the coach with other options online in advance rather than turning up at a ticket desk and paying the highest fare.
London has many stations and coach stops, and they are not interchangeable. Read your e-ticket carefully and confirm the exact departure location the day before, so you never head to the wrong place.
If you choose the flight, check which airport and terminal your ticket names before leaving. Large London airports have several terminals, and going to the wrong one can cost you your connection.
Do not rely on the final coach. A delay or a sold-out service could strand you. Plan to travel earlier, and keep a buffer for bank holidays and summer weekends when services fill up fast.
The journey experience
Getting from London to Nottingham is straightforward once you know your options. You have two clearly different choices here: a long-distance coach or a flight with a stopover. For most independent travellers, the decision comes down to budget, comfort and how much hassle you are willing to accept, and the comparison table on this page lays it all out side by side.
The coach is the classic budget pick. It runs city centre to city centre, you board with your luggage, and there is no airport security or check-in queue. Seats are generally comfortable, with space for a small bag, and many coaches offer charging points and onboard wifi. The flight with a stopover is a very different experience: you need to reach an airport, clear security, and connect somewhere en route, which adds complexity and rarely makes sense unless you are already combining it with a longer journey.
British fares move a lot with timing, so the golden rule is to book early and avoid peak departures on Fridays, Sundays and bank holidays. Check the departure point carefully before you leave: London coaches usually depart from Victoria Coach Station, while airport transfers depend on your terminal. Booking online gives you an instant e-ticket, so you can relax knowing your seat is secured.
Frequently asked questions — London → Nottingham
For most travellers, the coach is the best choice. It is the cheapest option, runs city centre to city centre and avoids airport security and connections. The flight with a stopover is only worth considering if it fits into a longer journey you are already planning.
The coach starts from around €7, with typical fares up to €8, making it the budget option. A flight with a stopover starts from around €54, with typical fares up to €79. Booking early helps you get the lowest fares.
The coach takes between 2 h 20 and 3 h 05 depending on traffic and the service you choose. The flight with a stopover takes roughly 2 h 25 to 2 h 40 in the air and in transit, though airport time comes on top of that.
Long-distance coaches from London usually leave from Victoria Coach Station, but the exact departure point depends on the operator and service. Always check your e-ticket for the precise location and arrive a little early so you are not rushing.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton each have coach, train and bus links into central London. Choose the link that ends nearest your departure point, and leave a generous buffer so a delay does not make you miss your coach.
Why visit Nottingham?
- ✓ Explore Nottingham Castle and its sandstone caves, then wander the Robin Hood legend trail through the city
- ✓ Descend into the City of Caves, a network of medieval tunnels carved beneath the Lace Market and Broad Marsh
- ✓ Visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs, built into the castle rock
- ✓ Stroll through the Lace Market, the historic district of Victorian warehouses, boutiques and cocktail bars
- ✓ Take a day trip to Sherwood Forest to see the Major Oak and walk the ancient woodland paths
When to visit Nottingham?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mildest temperatures, longest days and the best conditions for Sherwood Forest and outdoor events
What to do in Nottingham?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Nottingham?
Two days is ideal to cover Nottingham's essentials: the Castle, the Lace Market, the City of Caves and a pub stop at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. With three days, add Sherwood Forest and Major Oak, Newstead Abbey or Wollaton Hall. The city centre is compact and walkable, so skip the car and use the tram for outlying sights.
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