- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering and transport on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 33 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Derby to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Manchester will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
It's difficult to get from Derby to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX134 · NX170
NX134 · NX121
NX466 · NX170
NX134 · NX170
NX134 · NX121
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX466 · NX170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Manchester:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Manchester costing on average $36 (€29).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 49m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Manchester buses for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX134 · NX170 | On time 8:40 PM Derby, Bus Station | 3h50 | 12:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
NX466 · NX170 | On time 4:05 AM Derby, Bus Station | 5h20 | 9:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX134 · NX121 | 8:40 AM Derby, Bus Station | 4h20 | 1:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Derby, Bus Station | 4h40 | 4:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Derby to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:09, the last at 22:55. The fastest bus covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 37m |
First bus 12:09 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering and transport on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Leading civic gallery with important British art, design, fashion and rotating exhibitions in the city centre.
Large university museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections after a major redevelopment.
Creative district known for street art, indie culture, music heritage, vintage character and photogenic backstreets.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, warehouses, bridges and some of Manchester’s best urban walks.
Historic civic square framed by landmark architecture and a frequent focal point for events and city photos.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, and coconut, often topped with a cherry.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar, traditionally eaten as a local sweet treat.
A traditional North West breakfast staple made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, strongly associated with nearby Bury and commonly served in Manchester.
A highly regarded steak and seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse, popular for British ingredients, polished service, and a lively atmosphere.
A very popular restaurant inspired by Bombay Irani cafes, praised for flavorful dishes, distinctive decor, and all-day dining.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and elegant service in a historic setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels, drinks, and central dining cost more on weekends and during major events.
Service is often included at 10-12.5% in restaurants; if not, tip about 10% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Manchester by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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