Trains to
Derby
Trains to Derby – A cultural city with a fascinating industrial past.
Travelling by train to Derby is quick and convenient with the station directly in the city centre. With easy connections from Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester as well as local routes across the UK. Derby is packed with cultural spots, historic attractions, shopping and fabulous places to eat. With a rich history, Derby is famous for setting into motion Britain’s Industrial Revolution with some of the country's first factories and spinning mills.
Book Direct Trains to Derby – Unbeatable Fares – No Booking Fees
Frequently asked questions about trains to Derby
Book cheap train tickets to Derby with EMR and save on your next trip.
Are you planning your travel in advance? You can buy Advance fares up to 12 weeks before you travel to save more on your train tickets. Travelling as a group of three or more? There are group discounts available too. Flexible with times? Travel during off-peak times to avoid the rush and higher fares. In a hurry? Save time and money when booking your next rail trip to Derby by downloading the EMR train app.
To see more money-saving tips, head over to our guide on how to get cheap train tickets.
The primary operator of trains to Derby is East Midlands Railway. Book cheap train tickets to Derby today, up to 12 weeks in advance. Download the EMR train app for free to enjoy easy and convenient train travel to Derby.
Getting the train to Derby is easy. You can travel direct to Derby with EMR on our regular intercity services from Sheffield, London and Leicester, and on regional services from across our network.
Getting to Derby is easy. You can travel direct to Derby with EMR on our regular intercity services from Sheffield, London and Leicester, and on regional services from across our network.
- From London – check trains and buy tickets
- From Sheffield – check trains and buy tickets
- From Nottingham – check trains and buy tickets
The journey from London St Pancras to Derby takes around one and a half hours, and it's just half an hour from Sheffield. Our intercity trains run every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday.
East Midlands Railway operate regular train services to and from Derby, connecting Derby train station to all corners of the country.
Train services from locations such as Crewe, Edinburgh, London, Sheffield, and Nottingham travel through Derby.
Derby station has all the facilities you need for a simple, stress-free journey
- Fully accessible – wheelchair access, assistance to and from platforms, and hearing loops available
- Food and drinks – there are plenty of places to refuel, with coffee shops, bars and shops in the station
- Parking – there are three car parks available
- WiFi access – free WiFi access available throughout the station
Must See Derby Attractions | Trains to Derby
Hop on a train to Derby, home to a host of historic attractions to explore. The Museum of Making, located on the banks of the river Derwent is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, and celebrates the area’s rich history of innovation.
Towering above the city, Derby Cathedral has the second highest perpendicular church tower in England. Climb the 189 steps to see spectacular views of Derby and beyond, listen out for the bells which are the oldest set of 10 bells in the world, and look out for a family of peregrine falcons that have nested there for many years.
Derby Museum has a fascinating range of nationally imported collections. Within the Joseph Wright Gallery you'll find one of the most interesting and important painters of the late 18th century. Gracing the walls of famous galleries in St Petersburg, New York, London and Australia – but it’s Derby where you will find the largest collection of Joseph Wright paintings in the world.
For more information on must-see Derby hotspots, read our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Derby.
Direct Trains to Derby | Food and Drink
There’s lots of choice for places to eat in Derby. Located in the Cathedral Quarter on Sadler Gate, or head to The Palfrey a unique restaurant and wine bar in the historic Old Blacksmiths Yard. Sitting in the centre of the beautiful Cathedral Quarter you will find BEAR , who offer high quality all-day dining from a locally sourced menu with a great mix of seasonal treats and fabulous coffees and cocktails.
If you’re after street food, head to Bustler Market , Derby’s monthly street food market with fabulous food, great music, craft beers and cocktails.
For more insider tips on places to enjoy, read our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Derby.
Visit Derby | Music and Nightlife
Derby Arena is home to high profile events from sports to comedy, rock, pop and pantomimes. Or visit Derby Theatre which host a range of shows for everyone to enjoy including plays and drama, musicals and family friendly entertainment.
Derby is well known for its real ale, and you can visit one of its local breweries. Derby Brewing offers tours of their facilities, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample some of the beers. Or visit the city's oldest pub, Ye Olde Dolphin Inne which was built in the late 16th century.
With a good selection of cocktail bars, real ale pubs, sports bars, clubs, pubs and eateries you’re sure to find a place to suit any occasion. To find out more – check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Derby.
Train Trips to Derby | Places to stay
If you’re planning to stay in Derby, you’ll find hotels conveniently located in the city centre. Just a short walk from Derby station you will find Pentahotel Derby a 112-room concept sitting over four floors in Pride Park. Holiday Inn Express Derby is also located in Pride Park within a 10-minute walk from Derby town centre. Premier Inn (Derby City Centre) Riverlights is conveniently located in the city centre and moments from Derby River Gardens.
Book your hotel today exclusively through our partner, booking.com.
Visit Derby | Sports and outdoor
Take a short stroll from Derby station to Pride Park Stadium , home to Derby County Football Club . On Pride Park you will also find Derby Arena which boasts an excellent range of facilities including a 250m velodrome track, a high-spec gym, indoor sports facilities and versatile event spaces.
Enjoy Derby’s Shopping Locations
If you are after a spot of shopping, you’ll find Derbion , located in the heart of the city. Derbion is a retail hub, home to some of the world’s biggest brands, a variety of dining options and a host of entertainment. With big name stores including Zara, Hugo Boss, Whistles and Hobbs and dining options such as Wagamamas, Nandos and TGI Fridays. It is also home to a range of leisure facilities including, Showcase Cinema de Lux, Hollywood Bowl and Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
Explore the historic Cathedral Quarter , located near Derby Cathedral which is renowned for high-quality shopping, specialist stores and independent retailers. In the beautiful historic surroundings, you’ll find a host of bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment.
For more information on shopping in Derby read our Ultimate Guide to Derby.