Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Derby to see all of its attractions.

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Where to Eat in Derby

If you’re looking for affordable options, Compamigos (Findern Ln) and Anoki Restaurant - Derby (First Floor 129 London Road) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Anoki Restaurant - Burton (Burton Rd) 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
£63
1 night at 3-star hotel
Derby in January
Estimated hotel price
£63
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 9 miles from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Derby departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Birmingham takes 2h 05m and costs around £34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £86 for a 2h 46m trip. Located 9 miles from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 6 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 114 miles from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Turo, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Derby, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Derby takes 70 miles and will cost you around £7. From Liverpool, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 80 miles. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.2 miles from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 8 miles from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Derby, you’ll arrive at East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is located 9 miles from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Derby departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Derby, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Derby to Birmingham takes 2h 05m and costs around £34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £86 for a 2h 46m trip. Located 9 miles from the city centre, Derby Tutbury & Hatton is the busiest station in Derby. Another popular train station is Derby Willington, located 6 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Derby is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 114 miles from Derby. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Turo, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Derby, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Derby takes 70 miles and will cost you around £7. From Liverpool, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 80 miles. The most popular bus station is Derby Riverlights Bus Station, located 0.2 miles from the city centre of Derby. Derby Donnington Park is also a commonly used station, and is 8 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Derby

BHXBirmingham
LPLLiverpool J. Lennon
MANManchester

Airlines serving Derby

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,936 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (967 reviews)
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Where to stay in Derby

Average rates range from around £79 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £124 and up for a 5-star experience. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Derby, with prices from £32 to £592 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Derby are about 7% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Derby

Most booked hotels in Derby

See all
Wychnor Park Country Club
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£101+
View
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
£126+
View
Holiday Inn Express Burton Upon Trent
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£69+
View
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£78+
View
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£62+
View
The Lion Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£65+
View

Hiring a car in Derby

Hiring a car in Derby costs £40 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 18% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.30 per litre in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.58 and £20.77. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Compact (Class Compact Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 49% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Derby costs £40 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 18% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.30 per litre in Derby (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.58 and £20.77. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Compact (Class Compact Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 49% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Best car hire deals in Derby

Economy

2 adults, 2 Bags

£15/day

Economy

Mini

2 adults, 2 Bags

£16/day

Mini
Find car hire in Derby

Derby Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Derby city guide for the best Derby travel tips. To help you organise your Derby trip ideas, this Derby visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.