- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
1 h 33 m
Average duration
1 h 34 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
It's difficult to get from Derby to Manchester without transferring at least once.
P24793+
W70945
W70940+
P24780
C21338+
G66607
C21335+
G66721
G66982+
C04439
C21335+
G66721
W84667+
C21769
C21336+
G66716
C21804+
G00738
C21338+
G66607Omio 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 $13. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$36 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 $13 (€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 15m sooner (1h 40m by train vs 1h 55m by car). Tickets start at around $36 (€29) compared to roughly $21 (€17) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with east_midlands_trains.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Manchester trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C21595+ G00716 | Delayed 4:41 PM 5:00 PMDerby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 6:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21327+ G00888 | On time 5:26 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h33 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W70996+ W84714 | On time 5:30 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 7:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00718+ C21803 | On time 6:00 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 7:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21326+ G00894 | On time 6:26 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h33 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C04474+ G01083 | Delayed 6:43 PM 6:45 PMDerby station (DBY) | 1h51 | 8:36 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C04395+ G00726 | Delayed 7:42 PM 8:00 PMDerby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 9:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21324+ W34042 | On time 8:26 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h39 | 10:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21761+ W84738 | On time 9:32 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h37 | 11:09 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21323+ G00918 | On time 9:48 PM Derby station (DBY) | 1h42 | 11:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
P28273+ G00735 | Delayed 9:45 PM 9:54 PMDerby station (DBY) | 2h17 | 12:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C04184+ P28311 | On time 10:30 PM Derby station (DBY) | 2h06 | 12:36 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, May 28 | |||||
C21338+ G66607 | 6:24 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 7:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G66982+ C04439 | 6:45 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h50 | 8:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21337+ W34175 | 7:21 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h44 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W70940+ P24780 | 7:29 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2h03 | 9:32 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G01055+ C04444 | 7:45 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h50 | 9:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21336+ G66716 | 8:24 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
P24793+ W70945 | 8:33 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h59 | 10:32 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21804+ G00738 | 9:00 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h35 | 10:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21335+ G66721 | 9:26 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h33 | 10:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21769+ W84667 | 9:31 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h34 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21812+ G01060 | 9:45 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1h50 | 11:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Derby to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 1h 33m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average train duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 33m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Manchester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need