- Must visit
National Waterfront Museum
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €46, while a train costs an average of €83.
Distance: 137 miles (222 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€46 Average price Cheapest | €83 Average price | €62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Swansea:
A bus is €37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Swansea costing on average €83.
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 35m.
Tickets start at around €46 compared to roughly €62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €16. The journey takes 8h 35m versus 3h 35m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 10:48PM | Duration 9h38 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €50 |
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 Swansea run on average 15 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €29 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 137 miles (222 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 137 miles (222 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Excellent local museum on Swansea's history, Egyptology, natural history, and ceramics, housed in an elegant city-centre building.
Contemporary art centre presenting changing exhibitions by Welsh and international artists in a bright, modern waterfront space.
Wide sandy bay backed by a long promenade, ideal for walking, cycling, sunsets, and classic views across Swansea Bay.
Historic fishing village turned lively seaside district, loved for the pier, independent shops, sea views, and access to coastal walks.
Dramatic clifftop path section on Gower with famous views over Three Cliffs Bay, perfect for hikers and photographers.
A rich Welsh fruit loaf packed with dried fruit and tea-soaked flavor, traditionally sliced and served with butter at tea time.
A traditional Welsh seaweed puree, often served with oats and laverbread cakes. It is a signature food of the Swansea Bay coastline.
Welsh cheddar melted with ale and mustard on toast. This comforting pub classic is strongly associated with Welsh home cooking.
Popular casual spot for quality Welsh ice cream and desserts on Mumbles seafront, loved for local flavor and sea views nearby.
Well-regarded waterfront restaurant known for modern British cooking, seafood, and polished service in a smart contemporary setting.
Historic market venue famous for traditional Welsh breakfast, laverbread, and cockles in a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, cafes, and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafes usually only get small change or none.
Official public transport app
Swansea University Bay Campus -> Swansea Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Derby to Swansea buses use the Derby, Bus Station to Swansea, University Bay Campus station pair, with some services arriving at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Derby and Swansea bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Swansea, University Bay Campus is 4 km from Swansea city centre. Public transport options include:
Swansea, University Bay Campus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several cafes and a restaurant on campus.
Free Wi-Fi available within campus buildings. ATMs are aTM located near the student union building.
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, University Bay Campus.
Available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Campus is accessible with ramps and elevators.
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available within the station.
Free WiFi available in the station premises. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station.
Available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need