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.

Where to Eat in Derby

If you’re looking for affordable options, Darleys Restaurant (Waterfront Darley Abbey Mill) and Carluccio's - Derby (West Mall, Intu) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Anoki Restaurant - Derby (First Floor 129 London Road) and Anoki Restaurant - Burton (Burton Rd) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Derby.

When to visit Derby

Derby in December
Estimated hotel price
£63
1 night at 3-star hotel
Derby in December
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 1h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Derby. 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 DRIVALIA and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

National Express operates bus routes to Derby. From London, the bus ride to Derby takes 225 miles and will cost you around £46. From Greenford, the ticket costs about £25 for a journey of 320 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 1h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Derby. 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 DRIVALIA and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

National Express operates bus routes to Derby. From London, the bus ride to Derby takes 225 miles and will cost you around £46. From Greenford, the ticket costs about £25 for a journey of 320 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

Airlines serving Derby

Lufthansa
Good (7,134 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,345 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,831 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,684 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,623 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,924 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,456 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,660 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,811 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,519 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,135 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (802 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,302 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,294 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (357 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (860 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,340 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,151 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,883 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Derby

Average rates range from around £75 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £115 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Derby

Most booked hotels in Derby

Wychnor Park Country Club
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£61+
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£127+
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£63+
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£44+
The Lion Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
£67+
The Priest House On The River
4 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
£52+

Hiring a car in Derby

Hiring a car in Derby costs £29 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 1% more expensive than at Nottingham East Midlands.

Expect to pay £1.37 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 £16.40 and £21.87. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Ford Ka or similar) is, on average, 69% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Derby costs £29 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 1% more expensive than at Nottingham East Midlands.

Expect to pay £1.37 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 £16.40 and £21.87. The most frequently booked car type in Derby is Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Ford Ka or similar) is, on average, 69% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

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.