No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Nottingham to Derby train ticket prices
€2.61
On Sat 3
Nottingham to Derby train timetable
Travelling from Nottingham to Derby, the fastest train takes 20m with an average travel time of 28m. 66 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:50 and the last at 23:24. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:41 Nottingham | 25m, Direct | 21:06 Derby | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
20:53 Nottingham | 30m, Direct | 21:23 Derby | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
21:18 Nottingham | 26m, Direct | 21:44 Derby | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
21:36 Nottingham | 30m, Direct | 22:06 Derby | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
22:09 Nottingham | 29m, Direct | 22:38 Derby | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
Nottingham to Derby train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Nottingham to Derby with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry vs East Midlands Railway: Compare rail services
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 26m | Beeston | Fast services, cheap train tickets | Fewer intermediary stations |
East Midlands Railway (EMR) | 30m | Beeston | Weekend trains, earlier services | First trains, free WiFi, power sockets |
- CrossCountry has quicker Nottingham to Derby trains with fewer stops in between. Operating up to twice an hour, the ticket prices are often the cheapest.
- East Midlands Railway (EMR) also provides two hourly services throughout the week. The operator is the best option if you need to get the first train to Derby. Direct early morning trains depart at 05:53 from Monday to Friday, 05:50 on Saturday and 08:00 on Sunday.
Train travel from Nottingham to Derby
Learn the ins and outs of every part of the journey from Nottingham to Derby. Here’s what to expect on the 13-mile (21-kilometre) train ride.
Departure from Nottingham
Take the bus or Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram from all corners of the city to Nottingham station. More buses serve Broadmarsh bus station, only three minutes away. It’s also easy to reach the rail station on foot, taking about 15 minutes from the city centre.
- Finding your platform: There are seven platforms for rail services at Nottingham station. Most have three zones (e.g., platforms 1A, 1B, and 1C) to indicate where to board your train. The exceptions include platform 2, which is a shorter single platform, and platform 5, divided into platforms 5A and 5B. The Nottingham to Derby train often uses platform 4 or zone B of platforms 5 and 6. Be sure to check before heading to the platform.
- Quick bites: Since CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway (EMR) don’t usually have a trolley service on this route, we recommend fuelling up on refreshments before boarding or buying something to have on the train. Choose from a selection of shops and cafés, from the Co-op in the main entrance to Pret on platforms 5B and 6.
On board trains from Nottingham to Derby
The journey may be short, but the train windows open out to some stunning views.
- Landmarks on the route: The Nottingham to Derby train travels along beautiful waterways and fields. See if you can spot any wildlife across the wetlands of Attenborough Nature Reserve between Beeston and Long Eaton. As you approach Derby, you’ll pass the River Derwent and woodland.
- The scenic side: Sit on the left side of the train for uninterrupted Trent Valley views. On a busy service? The opposite side also has charming rural scenery.
Arriving at Derby
Renowned for its industrial heritage, Derby is home to many firsts, from the Silk Mill textile factory to Derby Arboretum - the park that inspired New York’s Central Park. Discover the city’s fascinating history after stepping off the Nottingham to Derby train.
- Midland Road exit: The main way out at the western end of the station takes you directly to bus stops on Railway Terrace, the taxi rank, bike parking area and car parks. Use the exit to reach the city centre.
- Pride Park exit: This eastern exit on the other side of the footbridge connects passengers to more bicycle parking spaces, another car park, Derby Arena and the Pride Park Stadium.
- Onward travel: Derby is a compact city, with the central areas and landmarks being under 20 minutes from the station on foot. There is also a range of walking trails to explore. If you want to take the faster route, a bus interchange is right outside the station, providing routes across the city as well as dedicated services to the university and airport. Cabs are also available from the taxi rank.
Why book Nottingham to Derby trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Nottingham to Derby start from just €2.61 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry on the Nottingham to Derby route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Nottingham to Derby train travel guide
Travelling by train from Nottingham to Derby is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Nottingham, you can reach Derby in just 20m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Nottingham to Derby?
The average fare from Nottingham to Derby is approximately €2.61, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Nottingham to Derby?
What is the fastest train from Nottingham to Derby?
The fastest train journey time from Nottingham to Derby is 20m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Nottingham to Derby?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Nottingham to Derby. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Nottingham to Derby?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Nottingham to Derby train timetables?
Nottingham to Derby trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Nottingham to Derby trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Nottingham to Derby are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Nottingham to Derby route?
The Nottingham to Derby route is operated by East Midlands Railway. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
-
Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
-
Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
-
Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Nottingham to Derby train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack