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Trains from Watford to Derby

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Watford to Derby

Trains to Derby from Watford

First train

03:12

Last train

01:09

Departure stationWatford
Arrival stationDerby
Journey time

From 1h 49m

Distance

98 miles (158 km)

Frequency

90 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Northern, London Overground, Lumo, Thameslink

What are the train times from Watford to Derby?

Check out the next trains departing from Watford to Derby for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
11:3813:542h 16m, 2 changes
12:0214:272h 25m, 2 changes
12:3114:412h 10m, 1 change
12:3814:412h 3m, 2 changes
13:0215:272h 25m, 2 changes
13:3115:362h 5m, 1 change
13:3815:542h 16m, 2 changes
14:0216:282h 26m, 2 changes
14:3116:412h 10m, 1 change
14:3816:412h 3m, 2 changes

Plan your journey from Watford to Derby

Considering a trip to Derby and need more information on how to take the train from Watford to Derby? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Watford to Derby takes around 2 hours 49 minutes. Every day, there are around 90 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 1 change on your journey from Watford to Derby, as there are no direct trains.

Avanti West Coast, Lumo, East Midlands Railway and Thameslink trains run on this route.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Watford to Derby?

Want to know more about your journey from Watford to Derby? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Derby from Watford?

To travel to Derby from Watford, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 2 hours and 49 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 49 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Watford to Derby?

Trains from Watford to Derby take an average of 2 hours and 49 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 49 minutes. You'll usually find 90 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Watford and Derby by train?

The quickest journey time between Watford and Derby by train is 1 hour and 49 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Watford to Derby?

No, there are no direct trains running from Watford to Derby, you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Watford to Derby?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Watford to Derby is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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