- 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 trains from Watford to Derby
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£59
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 h 29 m
Trains on 23 Sept
2
Distance
159 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 2 trains from Watford to Derby, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 159 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.
9:002h27Watford11:27Derby£591One-way0 changes- 7:382h30Watford10:08Derby£591One-way0 changes
- 9:002h27Watford11:27Derby£591One-way0 changes
- 7:382h30Watford10:08Derby£591One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Watford to Derby
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £108.
Distance: 159 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£108 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m 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 Watford to Derby is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Derby:
A coach is £88 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Derby costing on average £108.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Derby is by train with an average journey time of 1h 58m.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Derby including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (1h 58m by train vs 2h 1m by car). Tickets start at around £108 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Watford to Derby train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Derby trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:38 Watford | 2h30 | 10:08 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:00 Watford | 2h27 | 11:27 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Derby 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
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Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
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27 Sept
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29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Watford to Derby trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast offer trains 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 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 Watford to Derby.
- 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 Watford to Derby.
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 Watford to Derby.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Derby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Derby run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:41, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 159 km distance in 1h 34m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Distance 159 km |
Average train duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 1h 34m |
First train 3:41 |
Last train 22:20 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Watford to Derby trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Watford and Derby 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 East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£48
East Midlands Railway frequency
7 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
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 43m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£52
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 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
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 34m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£26
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 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
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Derby Railway Station -> Derby Bus Station, Derby
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is available across the Derby bus network, and adult fares may be capped for the day on participating services.
- Spectrum is the main multi-operator Derby day ticket, valid from 5am to midnight on most Arriva, trentbarton, Kinchbus, and Notts & Derby buses.
FAQs: Watford to Derby train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Derby can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £108.
The train journey from Watford to Derby covers a distance of 159 km and takes approximately 1h 34m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Derby is 159 km.
The first train from Watford to Derby leaves at 3:41.
The last train from Watford to Derby departs at 22:20.
Trains from Watford to Derby run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Watford to Derby.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Derby.
To get from Watford to Derby, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Watford to Derby.
The train station in Watford that goes to Derby is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Derby station (DBY).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Derby is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Watford to Derby in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Watford to Derby offers scenic views as it passes through the picturesque countryside of the Midlands, showcasing rolling hills, green fields, and charming villages, especially as you approach Derbyshire.
A day trip from Watford to Derby is not feasible with a journey duration of 1h 34m. However, there are 19 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 159 km.
For a well-rounded experience in Derby, two to three days are generally sufficient. This allows time to explore key attractions such as the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, the Derby Cathedral, and nearby Peak District for outdoor activities.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Derby.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Derby
Most Watford to Derby trains use the Watford Junction to Derby station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Derby
Which Watford station do trains to Derby leave from?
Trains from Watford to Derby leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Derby station do trains from Watford arrive at?
Trains from Watford to Derby arrive at Derby. Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Watford
More options for your journey from Watford to Derby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Derby and Watford
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