Derby travel guide

Derby Tourism | Derby Guide

You're Going to Love Derby

With a population of 235 029, Derby is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. We recommend you stay at least 5 days in order to fully appreciate everything Derby has to offer.

Where to Eat in Derby

If you’re looking for affordable options, Carluccio's - Derby (West Mall, Intu) and Anoki Restaurant - Burton (Burton Rd) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Anoki Restaurant - Derby (First Floor 129 London Road) and Silk Mill Derby (19 Full Street) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Derby.

When to visit Derby

Derby in December
Estimated hotel price
$142
1 night at 3-star hotel
Derby in December
Estimated hotel price
$142
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Derby

Plane

When flying to Derby, you’ll arrive at East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is located 14 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Derby from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 25h 35m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to London takes 2h 06m and costs around $61 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Edinburgh, expect to pay about $89 for a 3h 10m trip. Located 15 km from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 10 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 183 km from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Derby, including Megabus, National Express and FlixBus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Derby takes 105 km and will cost you around $12. From Thorner, the ticket costs about $15 for a journey of 129 km. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.4 km from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 13 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Derby, you’ll arrive at East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is located 14 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Derby from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 25h 35m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to London takes 2h 06m and costs around $61 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Edinburgh, expect to pay about $89 for a 3h 10m trip. Located 15 km from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 10 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 183 km from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Derby, including Megabus, National Express and FlixBus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Derby takes 105 km and will cost you around $12. From Thorner, the ticket costs about $15 for a journey of 129 km. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.4 km from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 13 km from the city centre.

Airports near Derby

Airlines serving Derby

Lufthansa
Good (4,604 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,444 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,591 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,281 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,547 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,921 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,710 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (683 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,161 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Derby

Average rates range from around $131 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $243 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Derby

Most booked hotels in Derby

Wychnor Park Country Club
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$170+
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$234+
Dog & Partridge Hotel by Greene King Inns
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$142+
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$248+
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$125+
Days Inn by Wyndham Donington A50
3 stars
Good (7.5, Good reviews)
$73+

Hiring a car in Derby

Hiring a car in Derby costs $26 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 126% cheaper than airport locations in Derby.

Expect to pay $2.84 per litre in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $33.98 and $45.30. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Toyota iQ or similar) is, on average, 72% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Derby costs $26 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 126% cheaper than airport locations in Derby.

Expect to pay $2.84 per litre in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $33.98 and $45.30. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Toyota iQ or similar) is, on average, 72% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.