- 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.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from York to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 3m. 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 $24, while a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 73 miles (118 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m 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 York to Derby:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Derby costing on average $53 (€44).
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (1h 33m by train vs 1h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $53 (€44) compared to roughly $32 (€26) 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 CrossCountry.
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.
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 York to Derby run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 73 miles (118 km) distance in 1h 14m.
Distance 73 miles (118 km) |
Average train duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 14m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 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 York 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 York to Derby trains use the York to Derby station pair, with some services arriving at Spondon. Use this guide to compare York and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Spondon is 4 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Spondon has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Spondon.
Available at Spondon: Parking.
Available at Spondon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Spondon: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Level ramped access to both platforms from level crossing. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, 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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