- 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 14
$16
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$17
Fastest journey on Sep 14
2 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
2 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 14
3
Distance
22 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nottingham to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Derby will cost around $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 3 buses from Nottingham to Derby, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 22 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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 Nottingham to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, while a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 13 miles (22 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration Fastest 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 34m 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 Nottingham to Derby:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Nottingham to Derby costing on average $14 (€12).
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 31m.
Tickets start at around $14 (€12) compared to roughly $6 (€5) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.61 (€-6.97). The journey takes 1h 31m versus 34m 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 East Midlands Railway | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 08:47AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator East Midlands Railway | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 09:44AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Derby buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:35 AM Nottingham | 0h35 | 10:10 AM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:50 PM Nottingham | 2h35 | 6:25 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:35 PM Nottingham | 2h15 | 9:50 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:10 PM Nottingham | 3h15 | 11:25 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 PM Nottingham | 3h15 | 12:25 AM Derby | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Nottingham to Derby run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) but you can travel from only $3 (€3) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest bus covers the 13 miles (22 km) distance in 25m.
Distance 13 miles (22 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 25m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Derby buses use the Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Derby bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Broadmarsh (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Coffee Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station.
Available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nottingham, University of Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Parking, ATM, WC, and Bike Parking.
ATMs are available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham.
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Bike Parking.
Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14) is 2 km from Nottingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14). ATMs are available at Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14).
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14).
Available at Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14): Bus stop has wheelchair accessible features.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need