Quick Answer
The best way to travel from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Nottingham city centre is by train. The journey involves a quick transfer to Birmingham International Station via the free Air-Rail Link, followed by a direct train to Nottingham. The total travel time is approximately 50-70 minutes, with train fares starting from £21 one-way if booked in advance. For budget travellers, the National Express coach is the cheapest option (from £5), taking around 2 hours.
By Train from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham (The Best Option)
The train offers the ideal balance of speed, cost, and convenience for this journey. The process is simple and well-signposted.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport Terminal to Birmingham International (BHI) Station: Follow signs for “Rail”. Take the free, 2-minute Air-Rail Link monorail (runs 05:15-02:00) or the bus replacement (during maintenance) to the station.
- Catch Your Train: From Birmingham International (BHI), take a CrossCountry service directly to Nottingham (NOT). No changes are needed. Trains run approximately every 30-60 minutes from early morning until just before midnight.
Train Operators & Ticket Types:
CrossCountry is the primary operator. You can book directly with them or use a retailer like Trainline. Ticket types include:
- Advance: Cheapest (from £21), must travel on a specific train.
- Off-Peak: More flexible, valid on less busy times.
- Anytime: Fully flexible, most expensive.
| Route Leg | Typical Duration | Frequency | Advance Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHX Terminal → BHI Station | 5-10 mins | Every 2 mins | Free |
| BHI Station → Nottingham Station | 45-60 mins | Every 30-60 mins | £21 - £35 |
| Total Door-to-Door | 50 - 70 mins | - | £21+ |
Key Advantages & Considerations:
Pros: Fastest public transport option; direct service; city-centre to city-centre; free Wi-Fi on board; comfortable seating.
Cons: Advance tickets are non-refundable/changable for a specific train; can be expensive if booked last-minute; luggage space can be limited during peak times.
By Coach / Bus from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham (The Cheapest Option)
For travellers prioritising budget over speed, long-distance coaches are the most economical choice. The main operators are National Express and Megabus.
Operator Comparison:
- National Express: The primary service. Coaches are comfortable, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and toilets. They depart from the dedicated Birmingham Airport Coach Station.
- Megabus: Often has the rock-bottom fares (sometimes as low as £1 if booked far enough ahead). Services are reliable but may have fewer amenities.
| Operator | Journey Time | Typical Fare (One-Way) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 1h 45m - 2h 30m | £5 - £15 (Advance) | Guaranteed seat, luggage allowance, toilets, Wi-Fi |
| Megabus | ~2 hours | £1 - £10 (Advance) | Ultra-low cost, basic service |
What to Expect:
Coaches drop off at Nottingham's Broadmarsh Bus Station, a short walk from the city centre and Nottingham Train Station. Booking in advance is essential to secure the lowest fares. Each passenger typically has a luggage allowance of one large suitcase and one small carry-on.
By Taxi or Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham
This is a door-to-door, hassle-free option but comes at a significant premium. It is generally not recommended for solo travellers or couples on a budget.
Cost Breakdown & Options:
- Pre-Booked Private Hire/Minicab: The most cost-effective taxi option. Prices range from £80 - £120 for a standard car, depending on the company, time of day, and number of passengers. Always pre-book for the best rate.
- Airport Black Taxis (Hackney Carriages): Available at the taxi ranks outside the terminals. These operate on a meter for local journeys but for a 50-mile trip to Nottingham, you must agree on a fixed fare beforehand. Expect to pay £120 - £180+.
- Private Airport Transfer Services: Companies like Minicabit allow you to compare and book fixed-price transfers in advance.
When is a Taxi Worth It?
Consider this option if:
- You are a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost).
- You have a lot of heavy or bulky luggage.
- You arrive after the last train/bus has departed (late-night flight).
- You require accessibility assistance that makes public transport challenging.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Birmingham Airport to Nottingham
Use this table to quickly compare all your options at a glance.
| Transport Method | Average Journey Time | Average Cost (One-Way) | Best For | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via BHI) | 50-70 mins | £21 - £50+ | Best Overall (Speed & Convenience) | Book weeks ahead for cheapest 'Advance' fares on CrossCountry or Trainline. |
| National Express Coach | 1h 45m - 2h 30m | £5 - £15 | Best Budget / Solo travellers | Book online in advance. Fares increase as departure nears. |
| Megabus | ~2 hours | £1 - £10 | Ultra-Low Cost | Book as far ahead as possible for £1 fares. |
| Pre-Booked Taxi | 50-70 mins | £80 - £120 (total) | Groups of 3-4, Late arrivals, Heavy luggage | Pre-book online for a fixed price. Do not rely on metered fares. |
Verdict: For most travellers, the train is the best value-for-money. If every pound counts, the coach is the clear winner on price.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Navigating Birmingham International Station: It's a modern, well-signed station. Allow 10-15 minutes from your airport terminal to find your train platform, especially if you're unfamiliar.
- Luggage Strategy: Train luggage racks can fill up. Travel light if possible. If you have large suitcases, board the train early to secure space. For an even easier journey, consider sending heavy bags ahead with a luggage forwarding service (not common for this route, but available nationally).
- Peak Time Travel: Trains between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays can be busy with commuters. Booking a reserved seat (often free with your ticket) is highly recommended during these times.
- Check for Engineering Works: Always check National Rail Enquiries for last-minute delays or planned engineering works that may replace trains with buses on part of the route.
- Mobile Tickets: Most train and coach tickets can be delivered as e-tickets or mobile app tickets. This is more convenient than paper tickets. Ensure your phone is charged.
FAQs: Birmingham Airport to Nottingham Transport
Is there a direct train from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham?
No, there is no single direct train. You must take a short shuttle (Air-Rail Link) or bus from the terminal to Birmingham International Station, then catch a direct train to Nottingham. The total journey is very straightforward.
What is the cheapest way to get from BHX to Nottingham?
The National Express or Megabus coach is consistently the cheapest option, with advance fares from as low as £5 one-way. However, it takes longer (1h 45m - 2h 30m) than the train.
How much is a taxi from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham?
A pre-booked private taxi or minicab costs between £80 - £120 for the 50-mile journey. Airport black cabs (taxis) are significantly more expensive. It's only recommended for groups of 3-4 or those with heavy luggage.
Can I use an Oyster or Contactless card for this journey?
No. Oyster cards are only for London. You cannot use contactless pay-as-you-go for this cross-country route. You must buy a paper ticket, an e-ticket on your phone, or use a contactless bank card as a ticket (check with the train operator first).
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
The last direct train departs around 11:30 PM. For arrivals after this, your only public transport option is a pre-booked taxi or private transfer. National Express has some late coaches, but check schedules carefully as they are infrequent at night.
Is it better to fly or take the train?
The train is almost always better. Flying internally involves travel to a different airport (like London), security, and then further travel from the arrival airport, making it longer and more expensive. The direct train from Birmingham International is the most efficient choice.
Where do I catch the bus/coach from Birmingham Airport?
All long-distance coaches (National Express, Megabus) depart from the designated Birmingham Airport Coach Station, which is a short walk from both terminals, clearly signposted.
How far in advance should I book train tickets?
For the best fares, book train tickets at least 4-8 weeks in advance. 'Advance' tickets are much cheaper but are for a specific train. If you need flexibility, consider 'Off-Peak' or 'Anytime' tickets, which cost more.