Derby to Luton bus with National Express

Fri 18 Sept
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National Express
Kinchbus
FlixBus
Trent Barton
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National Express
Kinchbus
FlixBus
Trent Barton
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Derby to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£13

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£20

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

3 h 25 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

3 h 39 m

Buses on 18 Sept

7

Distance

136 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Derby to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Derby to Luton will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.

Fast coaches

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 7 buses from Derby to Luton, including 7 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 136 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • FlixBus
    6:006h25
    Derby
    12:25Luton
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    2:407h05
    Derby
    9:45Luton
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    7:303h45
    Derby
    11:15Luton
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    12:053h55
    Derby
    16:00Luton
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    0:553h35
    Derby
    4:30Luton
    £211One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Derby to Luton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £37.

Distance: 136 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£37

Average Price

£26

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 2m

Average total duration

3h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 49m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Derby to Luton is a coach with an average price of £19.

This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Luton:

A coach is £17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Luton costing on average £37.

The fastest way to travel from Derby to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 30m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Derby and Luton including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 3h 32m versus 1h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Direct services are operated by National Express.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Live departures

Derby to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Derby to Luton coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX23022:10 Derby, Bus Station
3h25
1:35 Luton, Station Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX23022:10 Derby, Bus Station
3h35
1:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station0 changesdirect
Friday 18 September
National Express0:55 Derby
3h35
4:30 Luton0 changesdirect
FlixBus2:40 Derby
7h05
9:45 Luton0 changesdirect
FlixBus6:00 Derby
6h25
12:25 Luton0 changesdirect
National Express6:35 Derby
3h35
10:10 Luton0 changesdirect
National Express7:30 Derby
3h45
11:15 Luton0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Derby to Luton by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Derby to Luton coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Kinchbus, FlixBus, Trent Barton and more offer coaches services from Derby to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Kinchbus, FlixBus or Trent Barton to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Luton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Derby to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Kinchbus, FlixBus or Trent Barton to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Luton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Derby to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Derby to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Derby to Luton run on average 27 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.

There are 16 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 136 km distance in 2h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
136 km
Average bus duration
3h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Buses per day
27
Direct buses
16
Fastest bus
2h 50m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, Kinchbus, FlixBus, Trent Barton from Derby to LutonYou can travel by bus between Derby to Luton with National Express, Kinchbus, FlixBus, Trent Barton for as low as £16. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£16
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£21
National Express frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Kinchbus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Kinchbus Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Kinchbus Price
£29
Kinchbus frequency
1 a day

Trent Barton

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trent Barton Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Trent Barton Price
£33
Trent Barton frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House Museum and Gallery

Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory

Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.

  • Recommended

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.

FAQs: Derby to Luton coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Luton by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Derby to Luton can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Derby to Luton is £19; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Derby to Luton is 2h 50m to travel the 136 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Derby to Luton leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Derby to Luton leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 16 direct coaches a day from Derby to Luton with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Derby to Luton, you can count on National Express, Kinchbus, FlixBus, Trent Barton for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Derby and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Luton from Derby is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Derby to Luton is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Derby and Luton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Derby to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Derby to Luton for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Derby to Luton depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Derby to Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Derby to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Derby to Luton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Derby to Luton. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Derby to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Derby to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Derby to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Luton

Most Derby to Luton buses use the Derby, Bus Station to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Derby and Luton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Derby
Arrival bus stations in Luton
Derby, Bus Station
City-centre transport

Getting to Derby, Bus Station from Derby city centre

Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · £2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · £0.90 · every ~2 min

More options for your journey from Derby to Luton

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