- 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
€49
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€121
Fastest journey on Aug 29
2 h
Average journey duration on Aug 29
2 h 18 m
Trains on Aug 29
31
Distance
159 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Derby will cost around €121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
It's difficult to get from Watford to Derby without transferring at least 2 times.
W70245+
W70941
W70565+
W70944+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W70571+
W70949+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W70574+
W70957+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
Y81030+
W70951+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W33563 · W33570+
G00680
W33563 · W33570+
G00680+
L22730
W88169+
C21564+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W70574+
W70957+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
Y81030+
W70951+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras InternationalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, while a train costs an average of €43.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€43 Average price | €22 Average price Cheapest | €34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Derby:
A bus is €20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Derby costing on average €43.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (1h 46m by train vs 2h 1m by car). Tickets start at around €43 compared to roughly €34 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.
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 Watford to Derby trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W70245+ W70941 | 4:12 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h57 | 7:09 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1 transfer | |
W70565+ W70944+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 5:08 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h58 | 8:06 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70949+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P69701 | 5:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h20 | 9:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W33563 · W33570+ G00680+ L22730 | 6:15 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h16 | 8:31 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
W33563+ G01057+ L22730 | 6:15 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h55 | 9:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70571+ W70949+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 6:29 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h39 | 9:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W33563+ G01057 | 6:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h39 | 9:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1 transfer | |
W33563 · W33570+ G00680 | 6:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 8:31 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70951+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C00120 | 6:33 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h54 | 9:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
Y81030+ W70951+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P69708 | 6:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h39 | 9:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
Y81030+ W70951+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 7:01 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h26 | 9:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70954+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P69711 | 7:03 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h05 | 10:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
C01370+ G01059+ L22747 | 7:13 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h57 | 10:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W88160+ W70954+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P02414 | 7:18 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h50 | 10:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
Y80801 · C17990+ K65899+ C11027 | 7:28 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h04 | 10:32 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
C01370+ G01059 | 7:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h39 | 10:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1 transfer | |
W88160+ W70954+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 7:32 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h36 | 10:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70957+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P69716 | 7:33 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h54 | 10:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W70574+ W70957+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ P02415 | 7:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h39 | 10:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
W70957+ W70574+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:02 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h25 | 10:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
C21563+ P69721+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:03 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h05 | 11:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W33749+ G01061+ C34117 | 8:13 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h57 | 11:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W88165+ C21563+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C00121 | 8:18 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h50 | 11:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
W33749+ G01061 | 8:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h39 | 11:10 AM Derby station (DBY) | 1 transfer | |
C21564+ L22357+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:33 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h54 | 11:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
Y80787+ C21563+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:33 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h35 | 11:08 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
Y80810 · C17762+ K65908 | 8:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h53 | 11:31 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W88169+ C21564+ L22359+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h39 | 11:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 3 transfers | |
C21564+ W88169+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 9:02 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h25 | 11:27 AM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
C21565+ L22362+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 9:03 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h05 | 12:08 PM Derby station (DBY) | 2 transfers | |
W33426+ G01065 | 9:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h39 | 12:10 PM Derby station (DBY) | 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 Watford to Derby run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €20 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:41, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average train duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 3:41 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 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 Railway Station -> Derby Riverlights Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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 Watford to Derby trains use the Watford Junction to Derby station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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