- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
72 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Derby to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 4 buses that leave Derby for Manchester Airport on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 72 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 44 miles (72 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Manchester Airport costing on average $59 (€48).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 34m.
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 National Express | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Manchester Airport buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:50 AM Derby | 3h50 | 12:40 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:25 PM Derby | 5h05 | 6:30 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:40 PM Derby | 4h05 | 6:45 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Derby | 4h20 | 12:00 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Airport run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 20:40. The fastest bus covers the 44 miles (72 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 44 miles (72 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need