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Nottingham to Derby train ticket prices
£0.80
On Thu 01 Jan
Nottingham to Derby train timetable
Travelling from Nottingham to Derby, the fastest train takes 20m with an average travel time of 29m. 66 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:53 and the last at 23:45. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:07 Nottingham | 28m, Direct | 15:35 Derby | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:17 Nottingham | 30m, Direct | 15:47 Derby | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
15:41 Nottingham | 20m, Direct | 16:01 Derby | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:53 Nottingham | 28m, Direct | 16:21 Derby | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
16:07 Nottingham | 28m, Direct | 16:35 Derby | CrossCountry | 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.
East Midlands Railway: Nottingham to Derby trains
There’s no better way to get to the iconic cathedral city of Derby than by train. East Midlands Railway operates two services from Nottingham to Derby every hour, offering the option to travel when it best suits you. The scenic trip takes you along the beautiful countryside, arriving at this vibrant city with industrial heritage in just under half an hour.
East Midlands Railway (or EMR) operates long-distance trains across the East Midlands as well as intercity and suburban services to/from the capital. The routes offer key connections to places like Luton Airport, Newark and Peterborough.
Departing from Nottingham
Board the Nottingham to Derby train from the city’s main train station. Nottingham station is conveniently located on Carrington Street, with local buses and the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram stopping nearby.
As the busiest station in both Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, there is no shortage of journey options from Nottingham railway station. Find seamless travel routes to Crewe, Gloucester, Liverpool and other destinations. Trains are operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR), CrossCountry and Northern.
Main stops
Stops on trains from Nottingham to Derby vary according to the operator, time and route. CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains may stop at Beeston, Long Eaton or Spondon.
Arriving at Derby
Home to not only the world’s first factory, but also the first public park in England that inspired New York’s Central Park, Derby is a true pioneer with a long history of innovation. The iconic Derby Arboretum is still a beloved green space today with some modern additions. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, playgrounds and chess tables. A trip wouldn’t be complete without trying Derbyshire oatcakes, much softer and pancake-like compared to the Scottish variety. Derby Pyclets serves fresh oatcakes and pikelets (thin crumpets) with sweet or savoury toppings.
Your Nottingham to Derby train brings you within walking distance of the best this industrial city has to offer. Alternatively, you can hop on one of the bus routes stopping in front of Derby station or catch a cab from the taxi rank.
East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry services directly link Derby to Sheffield, London, Birmingham, and other cities across the UK. The sooner you book, the more likely you are to buy cheap train tickets.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Some East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains provide free Wi-Fi access and plug sockets in Standard Class carriages. Comfy seats on board either have a table or a tray table.
- First Class: Nottingham to Derby First Class tickets are only available on some services. These quieter carriages offer spacious seating with individual tables, plug sockets and light food and refreshments served at your table during weekday services. You can also opt for a “First plus parking” ticket for return travel and three days’ parking at selected stations.
East Midlands Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: East Midlands Railway allows up to three items (two larger pieces and a smaller bag) on board.
- Bicycles: Store bikes or e-bikes in the vestibule area and stay with them throughout the journey. Pre-booking is advised (you can’t book on the travel date). You can’t take a full-size bike on trains arriving in London before 10:00 or departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. E-scooters are banned.
- Children: Under-5s travel free. Kids aged 5–15 save 50%. The Family and Friends Railcard offers a third off for up to four adults and 60% off for four children. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get tickets at half price.
- Pets: Up to two pets can board the train. They must be in a carrier or on a lead and cannot occupy seats.
- Passenger Assist: You can book assistance like alighting trains up to two hours before travel.
CrossCountry: Nottingham to Derby trains
Jump on a quick train ride from the home of Robin Hood to the industrial powerhouse Derby. CrossCountry runs two hourly trains from Nottingham to Derby, offering a peek into rural living and the county’s heritage. Most journeys only take around 26 minutes.
CrossCountry offers intercity rail services between the South and North of England, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland. Centred around Birmingham New Street, its network extends to stations such as Newcastle Central, Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St Davids.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: All carriages in Standard Class provide luggage storage areas and free Wi-Fi. On most services, food plus hot and cold drinks are available to buy from 06:00 to 20:00. Plan ahead to buy cheap train tickets.
- First Class: Nottingham to Derby First Class accommodation includes complimentary drinks and snacks served at your seat, quieter carriages with wider reclining seats and additional table space.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: CrossCountry allows one small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.) per passenger.
- Bicycles: Reserving a bike space is recommended. E-bikes must not exceed 250 watts. E-scooters are banned.
- Children: Kids aged 5–15 get a half-price ticket. Under-5s travel free with an adult. Teens with a 16–17 Saver Railcard receive 50% discounts. The Family and Friends Railcard also offers savings for groups of adults and children.
- Pets: Two pets can board free of charge. Keep them out of the aisles and off seats. They must also stay in a carrier or on a lead at all times.
- Passenger Assist: Request assistance, such as handling luggage or navigating stations, by phone or using the text relay service or the Transreport app or form.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
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 ticket fare from Nottingham to Derby is about £0.80, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel 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. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Nottingham to Derby?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Nottingham to Derby. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Nottingham to Derby?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Nottingham to Derby trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Nottingham to Derby trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Nottingham to Derby is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Nottingham to Derby trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Nottingham to Derby route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 route from Nottingham to Derby is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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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.
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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.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
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

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* 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.





















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