- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
Cheapest price on 08 Oct
£46
Average ticket price on 08 Oct
£46
Fastest journey on 08 Oct
3 h 7 m
Average journey duration on 08 Oct
3 h 7 m
Trains on 08 Oct
1
Distance
187 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Derby will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
On Thu 08 Oct, we found 1 trains from Chelmsford to Derby, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 187 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 7 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.


Trains from Chelmsford to Derby run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:41, the last at 21:46. The fastest train covers the 187 km distance in 2h 9m.
Distance 187 km |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 3:41 |
Last train 21:46 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Derby trains for today, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:07 Chelmsford | 3h01 | 10:08 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:11 Chelmsford | 2h57 | 14:08 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
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.
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.
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Derby Railway Station -> Derby Bus Station, Derby
The most popular day trips by train from Derby are Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Derby on Omio.

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.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 22 km distance in 20m.

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.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 20m.

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.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 30m.

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.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 27m.

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.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 80 km distance in 1h 19m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Derby by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to Derby trains use the Chelmsford to Derby station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need