- Recommended
Thomas Paine National Research Centre
Museum dedicated to Thomas Paine, with exhibits on his life, political ideas and the town he once lived in.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Derby to Thetford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Thetford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £42, while a coach costs an average of £53.
Distance: 160 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Derby to Thetford is a train with an average price of £42.
This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Thetford:
A train is £11 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Derby to Thetford costing on average £53.
The fastest way to travel from Derby to Thetford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 29m.
Other travel options to Thetford take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Derby and Thetford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.83. The journey takes 2h 29m versus 2h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Derby to Thetford train times
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Thetford trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 17:01 Derby | 2h45 | 19:46 Thetford | 1 change | |
 | 17:08 Derby | 2h55 | 20:03 Thetford | 2 changes | |
| 18:02 Derby | 2h40 | 20:42 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 18:32 Derby | 3h33 | 22:05 Thetford | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Derby to Thetford 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Derby to Thetford trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Derby to Thetford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Thetford.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Thetford.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Derby to Thetford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Thetford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Derby to Thetford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Derby to Thetford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Derby to Thetford run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:21, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 160 km distance in 2h 23m.
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 160 km |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 5:21 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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, CrossCountry from Derby to Thetford trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Derby and Thetford from £25. 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 East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£39
East Midlands Railway frequency
10 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£25
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Thetford
Things to do in Thetford
Discover the best of Thetford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thetford trip today.
- Recommended
Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life
Town museum in a former court building, covering local archaeology, wildlife, industry and daily life across centuries.
Thetford Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
Volunteer-run military museum exploring the regiment’s history through uniforms, medals and stories linked to Norfolk service.
- Must visit
Thetford Forest
Broad heathland and forest landscape near Thetford, popular for walking, cycling and experiencing the distinctive Breckland scenery.
- Recommended
Riverside Walk
Riverside green space ideal for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and views of nearby historic buildings in the heart of town.
Melford Common
Central public garden with lawns, seating and a war memorial, offering a peaceful stop close to shops and historic streets.
- Gluten-free
Norfolk Ham
A Norfolk staple of cured ham, traditionally sliced thick and served cold. It reflects the county’s long pig-rearing and curing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Norfolk Turkey
Free-range turkey reared in Norfolk, commonly roasted for Sunday lunch or festive meals. The county is strongly associated with British turkey farming.
Rabbit Pie
A rustic game dish using rabbit, often slow-cooked in pie or stew. It reflects Breckland’s historic heathland hunting and country cooking traditions.
Thetford Spice
Popular Indian restaurant and takeaway known for reliable curries and a casual atmosphere, well established with local diners in Thetford.
OMG Steakhouse
Casual steakhouse and grill serving burgers, steaks and hearty mains. A familiar choice for relaxed group meals in the town centre.
The Red Lion
Traditional riverside pub in Thetford serving British classics, roasts and drinks in a relaxed historic setting near the Little Ouse.
Pound sterling (£)
Thetford is generally cheaper than larger UK tourist cities, with lower dining and lodging costs and limited public transport spending for most visitors.
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
- £2.80-3.80 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Greater Anglia
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- : null
- Day pass
- : null
To the city centre
Thetford station -> Thetford Town Centre / Bus Interchange
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Thetford Town Centre / Bus Interchange is about a 10-minute walk from Thetford station.
- Buy rail tickets from the station ticket machine or Greater Anglia app; no official current local bus fare page was verified from the sources used.
FAQs: Derby to Thetford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Thetford 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 Thetford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Derby to Thetford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Derby to Thetford covers a distance of 160 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Thetford is 160 km.
The first train from Derby to Thetford leaves at 5:21.
The last train from Derby to Thetford departs at 21:20.
Trains from Derby to Thetford run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Thetford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Derby to Thetford.
There is no night train service from Derby to Thetford.
The train station in Derby that goes to Thetford is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Thetford station (TTF).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Thetford is by train, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Derby to Thetford 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 Thetford passes through picturesque English countryside, offering views of rolling hills and charming villages, making it a pleasantly scenic trip.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Thetford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Thetford
Most Derby to Thetford trains use the Derby to Thetford station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Thetford 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 Thetford
Which Derby station do trains to Thetford leave from?
Trains from Derby to Thetford 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 3457125678
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.
Which Thetford station do trains from Derby arrive at?
Trains from Derby to Thetford arrive at Thetford. Thetford is from Thetford city centre.
ThetfordThetford station, Station Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1AH
City-centre transport
Getting to Thetford from Thetford city centre
BusT2, T3, T1 · 26m · every ~6 min
Thetford train station facilities and services
Thetford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Thetford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Thetford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thetford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thetford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Thetford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thetford: Staff help available: 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 ticket machines note: On platform 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Derby to Thetford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Thetford and Derby
Most popular train connections to Thetford
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
