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. 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 January
Estimated hotel price
$70
1 night at 3-star hotel
Derby in January
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 14 km from the city center. The shortest flight to Derby from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 9h 35m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Bradford takes 1h 24m and costs around $117 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $33 for a 1h 55m trip. Located 15 km from the city center, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 10 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 183 km from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, 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 72 km and will cost you around $14. From Blackburn, the ticket costs about $15 for a journey of 113 km. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.4 km from downtown Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 13 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Derby, you’ll arrive at East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is located 14 km from the city center. The shortest flight to Derby from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 9h 35m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Bradford takes 1h 24m and costs around $117 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $33 for a 1h 55m trip. Located 15 km from the city center, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 10 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 183 km from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, 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 72 km and will cost you around $14. From Blackburn, the ticket costs about $15 for a journey of 113 km. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.4 km from downtown Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 13 km from the city center.

Airports near Derby

Airlines serving Derby

Lufthansa
Good (4,656 reviews)
KLM
Good (854 reviews)
SWISS
Good (924 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,481 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,597 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,556 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,937 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,777 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,165 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (915 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Derby

Average rates range from around $85 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $158 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, 857 reviews)
$108+
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1291 reviews)
$153+
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1448 reviews)
$155+
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1756 reviews)
$81+
The Lion Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1465 reviews)
$98+
The Priest House On The River
4 stars
Good (7.8, 1641 reviews)
$76+

Renting a car in Derby

Renting a car in Derby costs $23 per day, on average, or $113 if you want to rent if for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 76% cheaper than airport locations in Derby.

Expect to pay $7.04 per gallon in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $84.49 and $112.65. Economy (Opel Corsa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Derby, while also 60% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Derby costs $23 per day, on average, or $113 if you want to rent if for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 76% cheaper than airport locations in Derby.

Expect to pay $7.04 per gallon in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $84.49 and $112.65. Economy (Opel Corsa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Derby, while also 60% cheaper than other types, on average.