Bus Service
Bus Services in Nottingham
Nottingham has a well-connected bus network operated mainly by Nottingham City Transport (NCT), Trentbarton, and CT4N. NCT runs most city routes, while Trentbarton connects Nottingham to nearby towns. CT4N provides community-focused services like Medilink. The Robin Hood card allows seamless travel across buses, trams, and trains. Key hubs include Broadmarsh and Victoria bus stations, making public transport convenient and efficient.
Bus Operators in Nottingham
| Main Operators | Description |
|---|---|
| Nottingham City Transport ( NCT) | The largest bus operator in Nottingham, with 280 buses that run every day approximately. |
| Trentbarton | Operates the Skylink service to and from East Midlands Airport |
| NET | A local transport operator that offers discounted rates to students |
Bus Routes
| Bus Routes | Description |
|---|---|
| 35 Bus | Runs from Bulwell to the city center, following Wollaton Vale, Woodside Road, University Boulevard, and more . |
| South Notts1 Bus | The longest route in the Nottingham City Transport system, running 16.85 miles to Loughborough |
Buses are generally frequent, with many main routes operating every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and reduced service in the evenings.
Bus Stations
Victoria Bus Station
Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham is a key transport hub located near the Victoria Centre shopping mall. It serves local and regional bus routes, mainly operated by Nottingham City Transport (NCT) and Trentbarton. The station provides convenient access to citywide and intercity travel, with facilities including seating, ticket machines, and nearby shops.
Nottingham National Express
Nottingham’s National Express coach services operate from Broadmarsh Bus Station, offering long-distance travel across the UK. With comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and affordable fares, National Express connects Nottingham to major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, as well as airports and coastal destinations.
Nottingham Station Street
Station Street in Nottingham is a key pedestrian-friendly area near Nottingham Railway Station. It provides access to buses, trams, and taxis, making it a vital transport link. The street features shops, offices, and hotels, with convenient connections to city attractions and business districts.
Mega Bus Station
Nottingham’s Megabus services operate from Broadmarsh Bus Station, offering low-cost coach travel to cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Megabus provides budget-friendly fares, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, making it a popular choice for long-distance travel.
Ticket & Payment
Ticketing System –
Single Tickets –
- Standard single – Unlimited travel for a day.
- Easyrider – Unlimited travel for seven days.
All Day Tickets-
- All-Day Ticket on NCT: Available for the City Zone and Outer Zone
- All Day Ticket, Robin Hood: Available for the City Zone
- All Day Ticket, Nottingham Contactless: Available for the City Zone
Smartcards
- Easyrider: A pre-paid smart travel card that can be used for single and all-day travel.
- Robin Hood: A pay-as-you-go smartcard that can be used on buses, trams, and trains.
Other Tickets
- Grouprider: An all-day ticket for £8.50
- National Concessionary Scheme: Free travel for valid older persons and disabled concessionary passes
- Robin Hood season cards: Special prices for 19-21 year olds
Payment System
- Contactless Payment – Most buses accept contactless card payments, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and smartwatch payments. Tap your device on the validator before each journey. Pay a single or advanced ticket payment with this app. Contactless payment works with Linkbus, Nottingham City Transport, and NET the Tram.
- Cash Payments – Accepted on most services, but drivers may not always have a change, so exact fare is recommended.
- Easyrider Mobile Apps – The Cardiff Bus App allows passengers to purchase tickets in advance and use their phones for boarding.
Accessibility & Facilities
| Accessibilty | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-floor & wheelchair | Accessible vehicles on most services. |
| Priority seating | Priority seating for disabled passengers and elderly travelers. |
| Audio & visual announcements | Audio & visual announcements on select routes for visually or hearing-impaired passengers. |
Night Bus Services
Although most buses in Cardiff operate until late evening, some night services run on weekends to accommodate the city’s nightlife and shift workers.
- Weekend Night Buses – Operate on major routes from the city center to residential areas.
- Limited 24-Hour Services – Some key routes offer early morning services, particularly around transport hubs.