Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Derby
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Leicester to Derby: Journey Information
There are 16 intercity buses per day from Leicester to Derby. Travelling by bus from Leicester to Derby usually takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 1 hour.
- Distance
- 24 mi (39 km)
- Shortest duration
- 1h
- Cheapest price
- $10.19
- Trips per day
- 16
- Most frequent service
- National Express
- Bus lines
- 1
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Leicester to Derby Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Leicester to Derby:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Leicester to Derby?
Bus tickets for a trip from Leicester to Derby cost about $15 when you book at the cheapest time, 4 days ahead. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Leicester to Derby by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Leicester to Derby in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $15 to $15. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Derby this week, bus tickets are available starting at $15.
Average bus ticket prices from Leicester to Derby by month
Travelling from Leicester to Derby by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $14 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance is the best way to find cheap bus tickets, even if it’s only by a few days.
What bus companies travel from Leicester to Derby?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Leicester to Derby. National Express connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 16 | 1h 24m | $15.21 |
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travellers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, washrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Leicester to Derby
There are 16 scheduled buses that travel from Leicester to Derby every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Leicester to Derby without transferring.
Trips per day
16
Direct trips
16
The bus takes an average of 1 hour and 24 minutes to cover the 39 kilometres from Leicester to Derby. However, the fastest bus only takes 1 hour. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
24
Distance (km)
39
The first bus leaves at 12:40 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 11:35 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Leicester to Derby, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
12:40am
Latest bus
11:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Derby at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Leicester



Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor centre built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavors, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express buses. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Leicester?
Main departure station: Leicester St Margarets Bus Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Leicester.
All bus stations in Leicester:
- Leicester St Margarets Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Derby?
Main arrival station: The Cock Pitt - Bus Station
All buses from Leicester arrive at one main station in Derby.
All bus stations in Derby:
- The Cock Pitt - Bus Station
Need a return trip from Derby to Leicester?
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