Dot to Dot festival (Nottingham)

Nottingham is easy to reach by public transport. The city’s main railway station is Nottingham Station, located right in the heart of town. Frequent trains run from London (around 1.5–2 hours away), as well as from Birmingham, Leeds, and other major UK cities, bringing you directly to the city centre so you can start the festival straight away. If you’re flying in, the nearest major airport is East Midlands Airport (EMA), about a 30–40 minute drive from Nottingham. From EMA there are regular buses and coaches to the city; you can also take a taxi or arrange a shuttle. Some visitors also use Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport (about 1–1.5 hours away) and continue by train or coach for more flight options.

By road, Nottingham is conveniently located near the M1 motorway. The city is accessed via Junction 25 or 26 if approaching from the north or south, and via the A52 from Derby or the A46 from Leicester/Lincoln. Driving into central Nottingham is straightforward, but city-center parking can be limited. To avoid congestion, consider Nottingham’s Park & Ride sites (for example at Clifton or Toton) and then take a tram or bus into town. The city also has numerous parking garages (NCP and others) near the centre. If you’re coming by coach or bus, Nottingham’s Victoria Coach Station (on Station Street) serves National Express and Megabus routes from all over the UK and is close to the railway station.

Once you arrive in Nottingham, getting around is simple. The city is very walkable, especially between the close-packed venues downtown. For longer trips, the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system runs through the city, linking places like Clifton and Toton (Park & Ride) to the city centre. Regular local buses also cover almost every area of Nottinghamshire, and there is even a free city-centre shuttle bus that loops near the Old Market Square and other busy spots. Taxis and rideshare services (like Uber) are plentiful too, but they can be busy right after shows end, so it’s worth booking ahead or allowing extra time at the end of the night.

Nottingham offers plenty of accommodation options. The city centre has a range of hotels and bed & breakfasts near the train station or Old Market Square, as well as budget hostels for backpackers. To secure the best deals, book early—especially on festival weekends, as local hotels can fill up fast. If city-centre hotels are full, consider nearby areas like Beeston or West Bridgford, which have hotels accessible by tram or bus. Whether you stay in the centre or a short ride away, Nottingham’s excellent public transport and taxi services make it easy to get back to your lodging at any time.