Derby to Manchester Airport Trains From £10.50*

If you’re heading away on holiday, getting from Derby to Manchester Airport is quick and easy by train. East Midlands Railway and Northern services will have you there in just 2 hours and 7 minutes with an easy change at Crewe.

Start your vacation the moment you leave home, with sweeping views of the Peak District National Park as you skirt its edge, as well as stretches of open moorland and rolling green Staffordshire hills on board your Derby to Manchester Airport train.

East Midlands Railway connects London St Pancras with cities in the Midlands and beyond, like Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield, while Northern links key cities in the North of England, including Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.

Departing from Derby station

Derby station, managed by East Midlands Railway, is a key rail hub in the East Midlands, located just southeast of Derby city centre. With step-free access to all platforms and accessible ticket machines, Derby station provides convenient amenities including waiting rooms, baby changing facilities, and public Wi-Fi.

Derby station is primarily operated by East Midlands Railway, with additional services provided by CrossCountry. Easily accessible by both bus and taxi, Derby station also has a dedicated drop-off point for cars, and serves many major routes connecting cities such as London, Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Cardiff, as well as a 24-hour Skylink bus service to East Midlands Airport.

Main stops 

Before changing at Crewe, your East Midlands Railway train will pass through key stops including Uttoxeter, Stoke-on-Trent and Kidsgrove during your 1 hour and 10 minute journey. You’ll then board a Northern service to Manchester Airport, passing through Alderley Edge and Wilmslow before arriving in Manchester Airport just over 30 minutes later. Total duration and stops may vary depending on the train operator and time of travel.

Arriving at Manchester Airport

One of the UK’s busiest international travel hubs, Manchester Airport station is a convenient train ride away from many great cities across the North of England. Located within the airport complex itself, it’s just a short walk from all three terminals. Upon arrival, head right to the Skylink footbridge to Terminal 2, and turn left for the Skylink to Terminals 1 and 3.

Manchester Airport station offers frequent services to many major cities in the North, including Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield, as well as further connections to both London and Scotland.

Arriving into Manchester Airport Station on a relaxing Derby to Manchester train means you’re just moments away from taking off to almost 190 destinations around the globe, with direct flights to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. So, whether you’re jetting off or flying home, arriving by train into Manchester Airport Station will get your journey off to a flying start.

East Midlands Railway and Northern train classes 

• Standard Class: Travel comfortably in Standard Class on both East Midlands Railway and Northern services with free Wi-Fi and comfy seats on most trains. There are plug sockets available on East Midlands Railway’s Meridian trains, and EMR also offers a trolley service for drinks and snacks on select routes.
• First Class: There’s no better way to start your holiday than travelling Derby to Manchester Airport First Class. While there’s no First Class travel experience onboard Northern services, First Class travel with East Midlands Railway provides a quieter, more spacious experience with comfortable seating, plug sockets, and complementary food and drinks served between Monday to Saturday at your table. 

East Midlands Railway and Northern train travel advice

To make sure you’re well prepared for your Derby to Manchester Airport train journey, we’ve compiled all the information you might need, including luggage allowances, storage facilities, travelling with children and pets, and assisted travel.

• Luggage: You may travel with up to three items, including suitcases, backpacks, or carry-on luggage, free of charge. Space is provided near seats to stow any larger luggage items in overhead racks, under-seat space, and luggage compartments.
• Bicycles: Bikes are welcome on both East Midlands Railways and Northern trains. In general, reservations are not required. There are two spaces available per train on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required on EMR on all trains in and out of London and on services between Liverpool and Norwich. Folding bikes are always allowed. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: On both East Midlands Railways and Northern, children under five can travel for free alongside fare-paying adults, and kids between 5–15 are eligible for a 50% discount. 16- and 17-year-olds can also save 50% with a 16-17 Saver railcard. Both services offer baby-changing facilities on many trains and at major stations.
• Pets: Passengers can travel with up to two pets at no extra cost. Dogs must be on a lead, and smaller animals should be transported securely in a pet carrier. Pets are not allowed on the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Both East Midlands Railways and Northern offer Passenger Assist for travellers needing help with boarding, luggage, navigating stations, or reserving wheelchair spaces. Advance booking is recommended, but assistance is also available on the day at staffed stations or via help points at unstaffed locations. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.