- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 17 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Derby to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Manchester will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
It's difficult to get from Derby to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NX134 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX466 · NX170
NX134 · NX121
NX133 · NX170
NX134 · NX170
NX134 · NX121
NX133 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX466 · NX170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m 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 Derby to Manchester:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Manchester costing on average $36 (€29).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 49m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Manchester buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX134 · NX121 | 8:40 AM Derby, Bus Station | 4h05 | 12:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Derby, Bus Station | 4h40 | 4:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX133 · NX170 | Delayed 2:50 PM Derby, Bus Station | 4h10 | 6:50 PM 6:50 PMManchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX134 · NX170 | On time 8:40 PM Derby, Bus Station | 3h50 | 12:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
NX466 · NX170 | 4:05 AM Derby, Bus Station | 4h45 | 8:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Derby to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:09, the last at 22:55. The fastest bus covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 37m |
First bus 12:09 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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