- Must visit
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Derby’s leading museum with art, archaeology, and natural history, best known for its important Joseph Wright collection.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Derby will cost around €16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €12.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 5 buses from Manchester to Derby, including 5 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 80 km distance in an average of 4 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 5 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.

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Buses from Manchester to Derby run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:09, the last at 22:40. The fastest bus covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €10 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:09 AM |
Last bus 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Derby.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €17 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Derby buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 3h45 | 10:45 AM Derby, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 4h40 | 7:00 PM Derby, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 3h55 | 7:45 PM Derby, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
Derby’s leading museum with art, archaeology, and natural history, best known for its important Joseph Wright collection.
Excellent museum of making in a restored silk mill, exploring Derby’s industrial innovation with interactive displays and river views.
Historic Georgian house with period rooms and changing displays, offering an intimate look at local life and Derby’s past residents.
Riverside public park with mature trees, gardens, and monuments, ideal for a gentle walk close to Derby’s museums and cathedral.
Compact historic quarter around the cathedral with cobbled lanes, galleries, and heritage buildings, full of local character.
Main city-centre square framed by historic buildings, markets, and events; a practical starting point for exploring central Derby.
A classic Derbyshire pudding of stewed apples topped with a pastry crust. It is a long-standing regional dessert found in local homes and pubs.
Bread or rolls filled with melted Derby Sage cheese and onion. This simple local snack highlights the county's famous herb-flavoured cheese.
A crumbly blue-veined cheese made in Derbyshire. It is one of England's best-known regional cheeses and a staple on local cheeseboards.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting. One of Derby's best-known fine dining destinations.
Stylish restaurant and wine bar serving British and European dishes. Popular for polished cooking and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
Historic pub in a former railway building, known for cask ales and classic pub meals. A strong choice for Derby beer culture.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but spare change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Derby Bus Station -> Derby Railway Station
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Derby.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Derby buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Derby bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need