- 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 Aug 29
€29
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€44
Fastest journey on Aug 29
1 h 47 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
2 h 10 m
Trains on Aug 29
5
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Derby will cost around €44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €29.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 5 trains from Luton to Derby, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 136 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 47 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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 Luton to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 5m. 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 €30, while a train costs an average of €57.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€57 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest | €29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Luton to Derby:
A bus is €26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Derby costing on average €57.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 44m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (1h 35m by train vs 1h 47m by car). Tickets start at around €57 compared to roughly €29 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 Luton to Derby trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:15 PM Luton | 1h59 | 7:14 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:42 PM Luton | 1h48 | 7:30 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
![]() | 6:33 AM Luton | 1h54 | 8:27 AM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:29 AM Luton | 2h39 | 11:08 AM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:40 AM Luton | 1h47 | 10:27 AM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:53 AM Luton | 2h15 | 12:08 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:54 AM Luton | 2h14 | 12:08 PM Derby | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Luton to Derby run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €23 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:47, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 1h 17m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 1h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 17m |
First train 3:47 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
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 Railway Station -> Derby Riverlights Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Luton to Derby trains use the Luton to Derby station pair, with some services arriving at Peartree. Use this guide to compare Luton and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Peartree is 2 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Peartree has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Peartree.
Available at Peartree: Parking.
Available at Peartree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Peartree: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to both platforms via ramps. These ramps have a very steep gradient. This station doesn't have tactile paving at the edge of the platforms, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on IUP, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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