Derby to Chester train with East Midlands Railway

Sat 29 Aug
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East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
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Cross Country
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East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Derby to Chester

Showing times and prices for 29 Aug

Cheapest price

£12

Average price

£18

Fastest journey

2 h 16 m

Average duration

2 h 18 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

99 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Derby to Chester will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Derby for Chester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 99 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 16 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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.

  • East Midlands Railway
    13:262h16
    Derby
    15:42Chester
    £121One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    7:232h19
    Derby
    9:42Chester
    £241One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Derby to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Derby to Chester trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayC21336+Transport for WalesG39024
On time
8:24 Derby station (DBY)
2h02
10:26 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21335+Transport for WalesG38356
On time
9:26 Derby station (DBY)
2h01
11:27 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21334+Transport for WalesG39027
On time
10:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h54
12:20 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21333+Transport for WalesG38361
On time
11:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h59
13:25 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21332+Transport for WalesG39032
On time
12:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h59
14:25 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG01109+Avanti West CoastW00038+Transport for WalesG39032
On time
12:38 Derby station (DBY)
1h47
14:25 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21331+Transport for WalesG38364
On time
13:26 Derby station (DBY)
2h00
15:26 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21330+Transport for WalesG39035
On time
14:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h58
16:24 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21329+Transport for WalesG38368
On time
15:26 Derby station (DBY)
2h00
17:26 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG01118+West Midlands TrainsC18017+Transport for WalesG38368
On time
15:38 Derby station (DBY)
1h48
17:26 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21328+Transport for WalesG39037
On time
16:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h59
18:25 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG01119+West Midlands TrainsC17881+Transport for WalesG39037
On time
16:38 Derby station (DBY)
1h47
18:25 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21327+Transport for WalesY63472
On time
17:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h54
19:20 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG01122+West Midlands TrainsC18013+Transport for WalesG38371
On time
17:39 Derby station (DBY)
2h09
19:48 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21326+Transport for WalesG39040
On time
18:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h59
20:25 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21325+Transport for WalesG38374
On time
19:26 Derby station (DBY)
1h58
21:24 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21324+Transport for WalesG39042
On time
20:26 Derby station (DBY)
2h18
22:44 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG01169+West Midlands TrainsC17936+Transport for WalesG39042
On time
20:31 Derby station (DBY)
2h13
22:44 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21323+Transport for WalesV08944
On time
21:48 Derby station (DBY)
1h44
23:32 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
CrossCountryG00773+West Midlands TrainsC17892+Transport for WalesG39013
On time
22:10 Derby station (DBY)
2h31
0:41 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Derby to Chester by train

Compare train 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Derby to Chester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Derby to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Chester.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Chester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Derby to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Derby to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:39, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 99 km distance in 2h 16m.

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
99 km
Average train duration
1h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 16m
First train
3:39
Last train
22:10
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
21 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

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Derby to Chester trainsEast Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Derby and Chester from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Price
£13
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 9m
Cheapest Price
£33
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
£33
east_midlands_trains frequency
14 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
£77
Cross Country frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Derby to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Derby to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £17.
The train journey from Derby to Chester covers a distance of 99 km and takes approximately 2h 16m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Chester is 99 km.
The first train from Derby to Chester leaves at 3:39.
The last train from Derby to Chester departs at 22:10.
Trains from Derby to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Derby to Chester.
To travel from Derby to Chester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Derby to Chester.
The train station in Derby that goes to Chester is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Chester is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Derby to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Derby to Chester offers a scenic experience with views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and charming rural landscapes, particularly as you travel through the Peak District National Park.
Yes, a day trip from Derby to Chester is feasible. The journey takes 2h 16m, and trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 99 km.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Chester

Most Derby to Chester trains use the Derby to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Derby
Arrival train stations in Chester

Which Derby station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Derby to Chester leave from Derby. The station is 1 km from Derby city centre at Derby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU.
DerbyDerby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU+44 3457125678ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Derby from Derby city centre

Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:

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

Derby train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Derby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Derby.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Derby.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Derby: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

PeartreePeartree station, Osmaston Park Road, Peartree, Derbyshire, DE24 8DTParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Peartree from Derby city centre

Peartree is 2 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus38 · 16m · £2 · every ~14 min
4 · 22m · £2 · every ~5 min

Peartree train station facilities and services

Peartree has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Peartree.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Peartree: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Peartree: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Peartree: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to both platforms via ramps. These ramps have a very steep gradient. This station doesn't have tactile paving at the edge of the platforms, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on IUP, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Derby to Chester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Chester Derby to Chester train

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