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. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Derby to see all of its attractions.

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
£70
1 night at 3-star hotel
Derby in December
Estimated hotel price
£70
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 9 miles from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Derby departs from Belfast and takes around 1h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Liverpool takes 0h 31m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £35 for a 2h 06m trip. Located 9 miles from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 6 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 114 miles 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 National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Derby takes 45 miles and will cost you around £3. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £13 for a journey of 70 miles. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.2 miles from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 8 miles from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Derby, you’ll arrive at East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is located 9 miles from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Derby departs from Belfast and takes around 1h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Liverpool takes 0h 31m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £35 for a 2h 06m trip. Located 9 miles from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 6 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 114 miles 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 National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Derby takes 45 miles and will cost you around £3. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £13 for a journey of 70 miles. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.2 miles from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 8 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Derby

Airlines serving Derby

Lufthansa
Good (4,698 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,590 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,268 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (491 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,963 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,943 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,172 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (819 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Derby

Average rates range from around £77 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £109 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)
£84+
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£130+
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£99+
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£65+
The Lion Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
£79+
The Priest House Hotel
4 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
£61+

Hiring a car in Derby

Hiring a car in Derby costs £42 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 16% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.49 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 £17.81 and £23.75. 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 (Ford Ka or similar) is, on average, 71% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Derby costs £42 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 16% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.49 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 £17.81 and £23.75. 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 (Ford Ka or similar) is, on average, 71% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.