- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Watford to Derby
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£22
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£57
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
4 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
4 h 23 m
Buses on 09 Oct
2
Distance
159 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Watford to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Derby will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 2 buses from Watford to Derby, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 159 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 26 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.
1:054h20Watford5:25Derby£221One-way0 changes
7:154h26Watford11:41Derby£911One-way0 changes
- 1:054h20Watford5:25Derby£221One-way0 changes
- 7:154h26Watford11:41Derby£911One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Derby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Watford to Derby run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:05. The fastest coach covers the 159 km distance in 4h 20m.
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 159 km |
Average bus duration 4h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 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
Live departures
Watford to Derby bus times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Derby coaches for tomorrow, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:05 Watford | 4h20 | 5:25 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:15 Watford | 4h26 | 11:41 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Watford to Derby coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Watford to Derby.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Derby.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Watford to Derby.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Derby.
Bus providers: National Express from Watford to DerbyYou can travel by bus between Watford to Derby with National Express for as low as £12. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
4h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£12
National Express frequency
1 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.
Complete guide to Derby
Things to do in Derby
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
- Must visit
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
- Recommended
QUAD
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
- Recommended
Derby Market Place
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
- Recommended
Markeaton Park
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
- Vegetarian
Derby Cob
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
- Gluten-free
Derbyshire Blue Cheese
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Oatcake
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
The Dining Room
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
The Brunswick Inn
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Zest Restaurant
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Ride
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Derby Bus Station -> Derby City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local bus single fares in Derbyshire, including Derby, are capped at £3 on participating services until March 2027.
- For unlimited bus travel in the Derby city area, the adult Spectrum 1-day ticket is £7 and is valid from 5am to midnight on participating operators.
Best day trips from Derby by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Derby are Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Derby on Omio.
Day trip from Derby to Nottingham by bus
Why visit Nottingham for the day?
Nottingham is known for the Robin Hood legend, its lace-making past and a lively student atmosphere. The compact city blends Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market with independent shops, music and strong sporting traditions.
How to get from Derby to Nottingham by bus?
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 22 km distance in 30m.
Day trip from Derby to Leicester by bus
Why visit Leicester for the day?
Leicester is known for its diverse communities, rich history and strong connection to Richard III. Roman roots, a lively market and a varied food scene give the city a practical, friendly feel.
How to get from Derby to Leicester by bus?
There are 20 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 39 km distance in 45m.
Day trip from Derby to Birmingham by bus
Why visit Birmingham for the day?
Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.
How to get from Derby to Birmingham by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 57 km distance in 1h 10m.
Day trip from Derby to Manchester by bus
Why visit Manchester for the day?
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
How to get from Derby to Manchester by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:09, the last at 22:55. The fastest coach covers the 80 km distance in 2h 35m.
Day trip from Derby to Sheffield by bus
Why visit Sheffield for the day?
Sheffield is known for its steelmaking heritage, modern music culture and easy access to green space. It feels both urban and outdoorsy, with Victorian buildings, independent venues and the Peak District nearby.
How to get from Derby to Sheffield by bus?
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:09, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 51 km distance in 1h 5m.
FAQs: Watford to Derby coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Watford to Derby can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Watford to Derby is £20; 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 Watford to Derby is 4h 20m to travel the 159 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 Watford to Derby leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Watford to Derby leaves at 23:05.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Watford to Derby with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Watford to Derby, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Derby. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Watford and Derby and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Derby including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Watford to Derby:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Watford to Derby for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Watford to Derby 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Watford to Derby.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Derby:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Derby:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Watford to Derby.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Watford to Derby with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Watford to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Watford to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Derby
Most Watford to Derby buses use the Hemel Hempstead, Bridge Street to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Derby bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Watford
Arrival bus stations in Derby
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 · £0.89 · every ~2 min
More options for your journey from Watford to Derby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Derby and Watford
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