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Cheap Train Tickets to Derby

Get the best ticket prices to Derby with our split ticket search

Cheap Trains to Derby

"Gloriously sited at the southeastern edge of the Derbyshire hills that roll towards the Peak District, Derby is one of the Midlands' most energetic, creative cities." Lonely Planet

Lying on the River Derwent banks, Derby is one of the most energetic and creative cities in the UK. It suffered the consequences of the industrial decline in the eighties but has bounced back, thanks to its remarkable cultural developments and a renewed riverfront.

Tip 1 Get cheaper fares by planning ahead
Get deals on your online train tickets to Derby by buying as early as possible. Advance tickets are available from 12 weeks before the departure date; demand for them is high, so we'd recommend buying as quickly as possible. If there are still advance tickets left, it is possible to purchase them up to 1 hr before your train departs.
Tip 2 No additional booking fees
Split My Fare doesn't charge a fee to book your tickets, unlike some other retailers. The only charge we make is 10% of what you save if we split your fare for you; we won't charge you if there is no split.
Tip 3 If there is a delay you can get compensation
Use the Delay Repay scheme when you don't get to your destination on time. If there is a 15-minute delay to your journey, you might be eligible for a refund. Check the delay policy on the website of the operating company you travelled with and claim your compensation from them.
Tip 4 Avoid busier routes
Demand affects the price of railway tickets. The busier the route, the more expensive your fare will be. If you stick to quieter lines at off-peak times, you could make the best savings.

Derby is on the Midland mainline, with regular trains coming from London St. Pancras and Sheffield. The station is about a five-minute walk from both the city centre and the local bus terminal.

The city is small, which makes it easy for pedestrians to navigate. You can start at the Derby Market Hall, a historic market that houses a mix of modern and traditional stalls. Completed in 1866 the building features impressive Victorian architecture. From the market hall, head to the Arboretum. Known for being England’s first public park, the Arboretum is located near the city centre and features a vast collection of trees.

Tip 5 Save money and book together
When travelling with between 3-9 people, you can get a groupsave discount by booking as a group and going on the same off-peak train. This discount gets you 1/3 off your journey. If you choose to receive e-Tickets, you can then send them to your group, rather than passing on loads of paper tickets.
Tip 6 Look at the price of 2 singles
When you are travelling to and from Derby, you may consider booking a return fare; however, this might not provide the best savings. Two single fares can sometimes be cheaper. When you use Split My Fare, we search for the most affordable option for you.

Derby is home to several museums. The Silk Mill, formerly known as the Derby Industrial Museum, was Britain’s first factory and is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another museum, the Derby Museum, and Art Gallery features an outstanding collection of porcelain products manufactured in this city since 1750.

Tip 7 Standard fares aren't always the cheapest
When travelling by train to Derby, you would think that a standard fare will be the lowest in price, but this is not always the case. You can travel in style with bigger seats and free food and drinks if you look at first-class tickets; sometimes you can find a good deal at a similar price or even cheaper than a standard ticket.

The Pickford’s House Museum, featuring recreated Georgian rooms is well worth visiting. Go to Derby Cathedral; while it might not be the most spectacular of English Cathedrals, it has an impressive 16th-century tower you can climb up for a view of the city. Another church that’s well worth a visit is the St. Mary’s Chapel in Bridge Gate; this 14th-century bridge chapel is among the city's oldest surviving buildings.

Tip 8 Railcards help make you savings
Regular travellers on the railway can save every time travel by using railcards, even if you only travel by rail a few times a year. There are different cards available, and they all offer you free entry to attractions and other money off deals. Most railcards cost £30 per year and get you 1/3 off your tickets.

The family & friends railcard gives 1/3 off adult fares, and children get 60% off when up to 4 Adults and 4 Children are travelling.

Senior railcards for over 60's can be bought for 3-years for just £70, while disabled passengers can purchase a card for only £20 a year. Other Railcards on sale include the 16-25, 26-30, and Network Railcard.

Further information is available on the railcard website, and you can also purchase railcards at any National Rail Office.

Main stations in Derby

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Derby?

You can get to Derby in just under 90 minutes from London, with trains running regularly from St Pancras.

What is Derby famous for?

Derby is famous for its Bakewell Pudding, as well as Derby Arboretum, the world's first public park.