How to travel from Chester to Derby, United Kingdom

The distance between Chester and Derby is around 115km (71 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 30m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Chester to Derby by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out DerbyChester if you're planning a return trip.

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Train

Take the train to Crewe and then to Derby.

  • Duration1h 30m
  • Departsevery 2 hours
  • Typical cost
    £44($52)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Stoke-On-Trent and then to Derby Bus Station.

  • Duration2h 50m
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    £17($20)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Derby.

  • Duration1h 30m
  • Distance116km (72 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Chester and Derby

There are several options for getting from Chester to Derby by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £17 ($20) and will take around 2h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £14 ($16).

The distance between Chester and Derby is around 115km (71 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 99km (62 miles)

It takes around 1h 30m to get from Chester and Derby by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Chester to Derby is to drive which takes around 1h 30m and will set you back approx £14 ($16).

The cheapest way to travel between Chester and Derby, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £17 ($20) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Chester and Derby. It typically takes around 1h 30m and departs every 2 hours.

There are no direct train services that runs from Chester to Derby. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Crewe. These services run every 2 hours and will take a minimum of 1h 30m.

Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railways run train services between Chester and Derby. Trains depart every 2 hours and will take around 1h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Chester and Derby. It typically takes around 2h 50m and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Chester to Derby. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Stoke-On-Trent and Newcastle Town Centre Bus Station. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 2h 50m.

National Express and Megabus UK run regular bus services between Chester and Derby. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 2h 50m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Chester to Derby. We recommend that you take the train to Crewe and then to Derby. instead which will take 1h 30m.

The closest major airport to Derby is East Midlands Airport (EMA) (EMA) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Derby. Birmingham Airport (BHX) (BHX) and Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) (DSA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Chester and Derby. The distance is around 116km (72 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Chester to Derby is to take the train which takes, on average, 1h 30m and will usually cost around £44 ($52).

How do I get from Chester to Derby

Compare travel optionsbetween Chester and Derby

Transport options from Chester to Derby
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
1h 30m
£44($52)
every 2 hours115km (71 miles)
Bus
2h 50m
£17($20)
3 times a week127km (79 miles)
Drive
1h 30m
£14($16)
on demand116km (72 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Chester and Derby

Train operators

Airports near Derby

The following major airports near Derby offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

EMA
East Midlands Airport (EMA)
International Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Derby
BHX
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
International Airport
Distance
55km (34 miles) from Derby
DSA
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA)
International Airport
Distance
70km (43 miles) from Derby