Derby to Watford train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 09 Oct
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East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Derby to Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct

Cheapest price on 09 Oct

£33

Average ticket price on 09 Oct

£58

Fastest journey on 09 Oct

2 h 6 m

Average journey duration on 09 Oct

2 h 16 m

Trains on 09 Oct

2

Distance

159 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Derby to Watford will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

On Fri 09 Oct, we found 2 trains from Derby to Watford, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 159 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 6 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 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.

  • West Midlands Trains
    7:282h06
    Derby
    9:34Watford
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    9:082h26
    Derby
    11:34Watford
    £831One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Derby to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Derby to Watford run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:09, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 159 km distance in 1h 37m.

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 train duration
2h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£28
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
1h 37m
First train
4:09
Last train
22:20
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
5 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

Derby to Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Derby to Watford trains for tomorrow, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands Trains7:28 Derby
2h06
9:34 Watford0 changesdirect
East Midlands Railway9:08 Derby
2h26
11:34 Watford0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Derby to Watford trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Derby to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Watford.

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 or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Watford.
  • 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Derby to Watford.

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 or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Watford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Derby to Watford.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains from Derby to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Derby and Watford from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£34
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 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 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
1h 50m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£49
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 West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£28
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 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

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

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

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

Best day trips from Watford by train

The most popular day trips by train from Watford are London, Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Birmingham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Watford on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Watford to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Watford to London by train?

There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 15m.

A view of Oxford

Day trip from Watford to Oxford by train

Why visit Oxford for the day?

Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.

How to get from Watford to Oxford by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 60 km distance in 1h 15m.

A view of Cambridge

Day trip from Watford to Cambridge by train

Why visit Cambridge for the day?

Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.

How to get from Watford to Cambridge by train?

The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 70 km distance in 1h 9m.

A view of Milton Keynes

Day trip from Watford to Milton Keynes by train

Why visit Milton Keynes for the day?

Milton Keynes is a modern Buckinghamshire city known for its grid layout, green spaces and major shopping centre. It is closely linked with Bletchley Park and has a spacious, practical character shaped by post-war planning.

How to get from Watford to Milton Keynes by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 19m.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Watford to Birmingham by train

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 Watford to Birmingham by train?

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 1h 5m.

FAQs: Derby to Watford train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Derby to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £76.
The train journey from Derby to Watford covers a distance of 159 km and takes approximately 1h 37m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Watford is 159 km.
The first train from Derby to Watford leaves at 4:09.
The last train from Derby to Watford departs at 22:20.
Trains from Derby to Watford run approximately 12 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Derby to Watford.
There is no night train service from Derby to Watford.
The train station in Derby that goes to Watford is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
Booking trains from Derby to Watford 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 Watford offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling countryside of the Midlands and the Chiltern Hills, providing a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Watford

Most Derby to Watford trains use the Derby to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Derby and Watford 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 Watford

Which Derby station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Derby to Watford 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 · £0.89 · 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.

More options for your journey from Derby to Watford

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

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