Train travel from London St Pancras to Derby is possible in about 1 hour and 26 minutes on a direct service.
If you want to take a train from London to Derby, the popular East Midlands Railway service is the quickest and most efficient way to make this journey. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful English countryside, with its lush green fields and charming villages. Best of all, you can get cheap tickets when booking in advance with TrainPal, and eligible passengers can also benefit from railcard discounts.
EMR runs services from London to Derby, as well as across the Midlands to major cities like Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and Peterborough.
Departing from London St Pancras International
To travel from London to Derby, the EMR service departing from London St Pancras is the best route for speed and efficiency.
Happily, this means you get to depart from one of the UK’s main transport hubs, which boasts excellent underground and bus links to reach your starting point. At London St Pancras, peruse the wide range of shops and food stalls while you wait. London St Pancras to Derby First Class passengers can make use of the First Class Lounge.
Conveniently situated next to Kings Cross, London St Pancras connects the capital to cities in Kent, East Sussex and the Midlands. Major operators include East Midlands Railway, Thameslink and Southeastern, as well as international services with Eurostar.
Main stops
On the way from London St Pancras to Derby, you will stop at some or all of Leicester, Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway and Long Eaton, before reaching your destination. After stopping at Derby, the EMR train will continue onwards to Sheffield.
Arriving at Derby
Arriving in Derby from London St Pancras, you'll find the station centrally located in the historic city of Derby. It's a key mainline railway station in Derbyshire, easily accessible by buses, taxis and on foot, making your onward journey convenient.
Derby station is well-served by East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry, offering regular train services to destinations including Sheffield, Crewe, Nottingham, Edinburgh Waverley, and Birmingham New Street.
Just a short walk from Derby station, the city centre offers a wealth of cultural attractions. Discover the vibrant arts scene at Derby Theatre, delve into history at the Derby Museum & Art Gallery, or admire the architectural beauty of the towering Derby Cathedral, all within easy walking distance, ensuring a fulfilling visit to this charming city.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Buy cheap tickets on London St Pancras to Derby Standard Class trains when booking in advance and benefit from low fares, plug sockets, seat reservations, free WiFi and luggage space at the ends of coaches.
- First Class: For more spacious seats, a guaranteed table, quieter carriages and light food and refreshments served at your table, consider upgrading to a London to Derby First Class ticket.
East Midlands Railway train travel advice
- Passenger Assist: If you require assistance with your journey, you can make arrangements with EMR. From reserving a wheelchair space to getting help boarding the train, arrange assistance before you travel.
- Pets: Pets can travel with EMR at no extra cost, subject to restrictions, including the requirement that each human passenger can accompany up to two non-human friends.
- Children: Under 5s travel for free with EMR, while those aged 5 to 15 get a reduced rate of 50% off
- Bicycles: Cyclists can bring their two-wheeler onboard subject to conditions by making a free reservation for a bicycle place.
- Luggage: Every EMR passenger can bring up to two items of luggage onboard trains for free, subject to size restrictions.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.