- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$8
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$16
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
85 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Northampton to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Derby will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from Northampton to Derby, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 85 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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 Northampton to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, while a train costs an average of $60.
Distance: 52 miles (85 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m 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 Northampton to Derby:
A bus is $44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Northampton to Derby costing on average $60.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
Tickets start at around $16 compared to roughly $23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 1h 20m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Megabus.
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 12:05AM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Derby buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:10 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 3h00 | 9:10 PM Derby, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:15 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 2h40 | 10:55 PM Derby, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 2h40 | 11:40 PM Derby, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 2h40 | 12:40 AM Derby, Bus Station | 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 Northampton to Derby run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 52 miles (85 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 52 miles (85 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Derby buses use the Northampton, Town Centre to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Derby bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need