- Must visit
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$30
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 18
7 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
7 h 15 m
Buses on Sep 18
2
Distance
48 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Derby to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 buses from Derby to Stoke-on-Trent, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 48 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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 Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, while a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 29 miles (48 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Stoke-on-Trent:
A bus is $0.09 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average $28.
Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 31m.
Tickets start at around $28 compared to roughly $13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.89. The journey takes 2h 31m versus 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Stoke-on-Trent buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:35 PM Derby | 7h15 | 8:50 PM Stoke-on-Trent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:40 PM Derby | 7h10 | 8:50 PM Stoke-on-Trent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:40 PM Derby | 7h10 | 9:50 PM Stoke-on-Trent | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Stoke-on-Trent run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $10 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 05:55, the last at 22:11. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (48 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 29 miles (48 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 5:55 AM |
Last bus 10:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Excellent city museum and art gallery with the world's largest public Spitfire collection plus Staffordshire ceramics, archaeology and natural history.
Award-winning visitor centre inside a working factory, exploring Wedgwood design, craft and collections. Strong choice for ceramics and design fans.
Award-winning lakeside estate with formal gardens, woodland walks, shopping village and seasonal events. One of the area's most popular leisure destinations.
Large Victorian park with lake, bandstand and landscaped grounds near Hanley. Ideal for a scenic walk and classic city-park atmosphere.
Historic former pottery district with independent shops, heritage buildings and a strong artistic identity. Great for exploring local character.
A famous oat-based savoury pancake from The Potteries, usually filled with cheese, bacon or egg. It is Stoke-on-Trent's best-known traditional street and breakfast food.
A hearty North Staffordshire stew of slow-cooked beef, root vegetables and stock. It is a traditional local comfort dish often served in pubs and homes.
Crumbly white cheese made in Staffordshire and nearby Cheshire. It is a classic regional dairy product, often eaten with bread, oatcakes or salads.
Popular local oatcake kitchen serving classic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Casual, affordable and strongly associated with Potteries food culture.
Refined modern British dining in a polished setting. Known for high-quality tasting menus and one of the area's strongest fine dining reputations.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for quality curries and attentive service. Comfortable venue suited to a relaxed dinner.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals usually cost less than in London or Manchester, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Hanley Bus Station -> Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Derby to Stoke-on-Trent buses use the Derby, Bus Station to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Stoke-on-Trent bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station is 2 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are present inside the bus station.
Free WiFi available for passengers. ATMs are there is an ATM available within the station.
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.
Available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: The station is equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need