- 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
$28
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
220 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sunderland to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Derby will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 2 buses that leave Sunderland for Derby on Fri, Jul 31, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 220 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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 Sunderland to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 136 miles (220 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m 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 Sunderland to Derby:
A bus is $82 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Derby costing on average $109 (€90).
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 3m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€23) compared to roughly $56 (€46) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $29 (€24). The journey takes 4h 3m versus 2h 50m 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 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 National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Derby buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:45 PM Sunderland | 5h15 | 7:00 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Sunderland | 5h10 | 7:35 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
![]() | 10:00 AM Sunderland | 4h30 | 2:30 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Sunderland to Derby run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:40, the last at 23:05. The fastest bus covers the 136 miles (220 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 136 miles (220 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 2:40 AM |
Last bus 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Derby buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Sunderland 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