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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Derby to London by train

It takes an average of 2h 8m to travel from Derby to London by train, over a distance of around 113 miles (181 km). There are normally 61 trains per day travelling from Derby to London and tickets for this journey start from £17.60 when you book in advance.

First train

02:44

Last train

22:21

Departure station

Derby

Arrival station

London

Journey time

From 1h 25m

Distance

113 miles (181 km)

Frequency

61 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £17.60

Train operators

East Midlands Railway

Travelling from Derby to London by train

Are you thinking of taking the train from Derby to London? Start your journey today with us!

With around 59 trains running on this popular route every day, the train from Derby to London takes around 2h 3m, but can take just 1h 25m on the fastest services. As there are direct services available, as soon as you board the train, you can make yourself comfortable and enjoy the scenery. 

All trains leave from Derby train station and arrive at London St. Pancras International, in the cosmopolitan heart of the city. Once you’ve arrived, you can take the short journey to the hustle and bustle of Camden Market or come face-to-face with the diverse variety of creatures at London Zoo.

On the route to London from Derby, train services are run by East Midlands Railway (EMR) – their Intercity services are kitted out with free WiFi and if you feel like treating yourself, a spacious First Class carriage.

If you’re trying to save money on your train tickets, travel Off-Peak. Generally, tickets from Derby to London are cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Also, if you have a Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. To get the cheapest fares, use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices. 

Feeling ready to start your journey? Begin your search for train tickets from Derby to London with us now. For more information, keep reading for our timetable where you can find first and last train times, as well as tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Derby to London? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Derby to London take?

The average journey time by train between Derby and London is 2 hours and 8 minutes, with around 61 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Derby and London by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Derby to London is 1 hour and 25 minutes.

How much does the train from Derby to London cost?

Train ticket prices from Derby to London can start from as little as £17.60 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Derby to London?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Derby to London without having to change trains. There are 61 direct trains from Derby to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Derby to London leave?

The first train from Derby to London leaves at 02:44. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Derby to London leave?

The last train from Derby to London leaves at 22:21. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Derby and London by train?

Trains travelling from Derby to London cover a distance of around 113 miles (181 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Derby. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Derby to London.

Cheap train tickets from Derby to London

Train tickets from Derby to London start at £17.60 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Derby to London is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.

Travelling direct to London on an EMR train

Arriving at Derby station 

I arrived at Derby train station on Friday evening as I booked a Super Off-Peak return, which meant I had to travel after 19:00. I already had my eticket, so just had to scan it at the barriers to get through to the station. I found a bench on the platform to sit at whilst I waited for the train to arrive.  

During the journey

I found my seat on the train easily once it arrived, and managed to get a seat at a table, so had lots of space as there was no one sitting next to me. There was space for my bag on the shelf above my seat, and the free WiFi worked well so I spent some time on my phone watching Netflix. I was a little bit peckish, so appreciated the trolley when it came along and got some water and some crisps to keep me going.  

The train stopped once along the way at Leicester, then it was non-stop straight to London and took just under an hour and a half in total. 

Arriving at London St Pancras station

We arrived into St Pancras station on time, and it looked so pretty at night when the domed roof is all lit up. It was easy to get to the Underground from the platform, as I just needed to head down the escalators and along the corridor of shops until I reached the entrance at the other end of the station.

About Jorja

Jorja, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Derby and London.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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