Is there a direct train?

No, you will typically need to change at Leicester or Kettering.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Yes, like any major city, stay aware of your surroundings.

Where is the best parking?

Victoria Centre is very central and secure.

Yes, but it is much slower than the train.

Bedford

Nottingham

Train Driving

Bedford to Nottingham

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Bedford to Nottingham spans roughly 115 km. By train, you can take the East Midlands Railway from Bedford, usually requiring a change at Kettering or Leicester. By car, the most direct route is via the A6 and A46, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Nottingham is a major cultural hub in the East Midlands, famous for its association with Robin Hood. This route takes you through the heart of the English countryside.

Total Distance: Driving distance 115 km; straight-line air distance 100 km.

Fastest Way

Train travel is the fastest, especially during peak traffic times on the A46.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most economical for groups or families.

Compare Bedford to Nottingham Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins	1 hour 50 mins
Avg Price	£20 - £45	£18 - £25 (fuel)
Operator	East Midlands Railway	N/A
Route	Bedford Station to Nottingham Station via Leicester.	A6 to A46 north.
Tip	Book an 'Advance' ticket to save up to 50% on the walk-up fare.	The A46 is generally faster than the A6 for the final leg of the journey.

Travel Tips

Train Booking
Use the EMR website for direct booking and seat reservations.
Parking
Use the Broadmarsh or Victoria Centre car parks for city access.
Traffic
The A46 can have heavy traffic near Newark; plan accordingly.
Navigation
Use Waze for real-time traffic updates on the A46.
Walking
Nottingham is hilly; wear comfortable footwear for exploring.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
The A46 is a fast road; maintain safe following distances.
Station Safety
Nottingham station is busy; keep your luggage close at all times.
Night Travel
Stick to main roads when driving into the city at night.
Emergency
Keep a physical map as a backup for GPS navigation.