Key Highlights
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East Midlands Airport is the closest and easiest airport for people who want to go to Derby.
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There is not an airport in Derby, but some big UK airports are near Derbyshire.
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Birmingham Airport is another good pick because it has many regional and international flights.
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Getting to Derby from these airports is easy, with trains, buses, and private hire cars to use.
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This guide tells you about the distance, how long it takes, and how to get to Derby from main airports, so you can plan your trip well.
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No matter if you come for work or fun, flying to Derbyshire is a simple and quick way to reach the midlands.
Introduction
Welcome to your main guide for travelling to Derby in 2026. Derby sits right in the middle of England. The city and the Derbyshire area are close to the east midlands. You can get there from many airports. Derby does not have its own airport. But you will find some very good choices close by. The best known is East Midlands Airport. This airport is not far from the city.
This guide will show you the best airports to use. It also tells you how to get from the terminal to Derby. You will learn what you need for a simple and easy trip.
Overview of Airports Serving Derby and Derbyshire
When you plan your trip to Derby, you will see that many UK airports let you reach the city and the rest of Derbyshire easily. The main airport is East Midlands Airport. This is the closest, and lots of people pick it first.
Besides East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport are good options too. Where you are coming from, and where in Derbyshire you go, might make these bigger airports feel right for you. They can have more direct flights most of the time. Each of them gives you different ways to travel to your last stop, and makes it simple to get there.
East Midlands Airport – Gateway to Derby
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the top airport for people who want to travel to Derby. The airport is in Castle Donington and is a short drive from the city. This makes it the closest airport to Derby by quite a bit. You can go to more than 90 places, and there are many flights to European countries from here.
EMA is also the UK’s busiest airport for only cargo flights, so it is a key place for flights in the east midlands region. Because the airport is so near, you can get to Derby fast. For example, you can drive from the airport to Alfreton in Derbyshire in just about 30 to 40 minutes.
This makes Nottingham East Midlands Airport a great pick for both people going to work and those on holiday in the Midlands. There are easy and quick ways to get to Derby and other places, and that is why EMA is seen as the main airport for the east midlands.
Birmingham Airport – Regional Connections
Just outside Derbyshire, you can get to Birmingham Airport. It is the 7th largest in the UK and is a good option for trips to the area. The airport has many flights, both regional and international. Sometimes, it even has more flights than airports that are closer. For some people, like those going to the south of Derbyshire, this airport might be as easy to use as east midlands airport.
It is easy to travel from Birmingham Airport to Derby. You can go by direct train from the station at the airport. You may need to change trains at Birmingham New Street, but it is very quick. This train line makes it simple for people in the united kingdom or beyond to get to derby.
You can also use National Express coaches from the airport to derby. These coaches are a good choice if you want to save some money. Birmingham Airport may not be as big as manchester airport, but it gives you great flights and an easy way to travel to the midlands.
Nearest Airports to Derby – Distances and Accessibility
The best airport for your visit to Derby is often about how far it is and how easy it will be to reach the city. East Midlands Airport is the closest, so it is the fastest choice for most people. You can get to Derby city centre from east midlands airport by car in less than 30 minutes.
Birmingham Airport is the next nearest. It will take around an hour to drive from there. If you are going to the northern parts of derbyshire, like the Peak District, manchester airport can be a good option as well. All three airports—east midlands airport, birmingham airport, and manchester airport—are linked well to the roads and trains in the midlands area.
Travel Times from Key Airports to Derby City Centre
Your journey time into Derby will vary depending on which airport you fly into and your chosen mode of transport. From East Midlands Airport, a taxi or car journey is typically the fastest route. If you’re arriving at Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport, the train is often a reliable and efficient option.
Trains from Birmingham connect to Derby’s railway station, which is situated on the Midland Main Line, offering excellent links to cities like London and Sheffield. From Manchester, several rail routes are available, though you might need to change trains depending on your arrival time.
To help you plan, here is a quick look at typical travel times from the main airports to Derby city centre.
|
Airport |
Travel Mode |
Approximate Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
|
East Midlands Airport |
Car/Taxi |
20–30 minutes |
|
East Midlands Airport |
Bus (Skylink) |
30–40 minutes |
|
Birmingham Airport |
Train |
60–75 minutes |
|
Birmingham Airport |
Car/Taxi |
60–70 minutes |
|
Manchester Airport |
Train |
90–120 minutes |
|
Manchester Airport |
Car/Taxi |
90–100 minutes |
Is There an Airport in Derby?
Many people often ask if there is an airport in Derby. The short answer is no. Derby does not have a commercial airport right in the city. This is quite normal in the UK. Most areas in the midlands do not have their own airports. Instead, a few big airports, put in key spots, serve the different cities.
But this is not a problem for those coming to Derby. East Midlands Airport is a good, close choice. It is just a few miles away from Derby, in North West Leicestershire.
This setup is good and works well. East Midlands Airport is in a great spot for people who travel to Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester. People can get around the east midlands region quickly. You also do not get the extra noise and traffic you find if the airport is right inside the city.
Transport Options from Airports to Derby
Once you get off your flight at a nearby airport, the next thing to do is travel to Derby. The good news is that there are many ways you can get there. You can pick the one that works best for you. Some people want to get there fast. Some want to save money. Others want what is easiest. You will find something that fits your needs.
If you are at East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport, or Manchester Airport, there are plenty of options. You can go by train, bus, or taxi. The best choice will depend on what you want to spend, how many bags you have and where in Derby you want to go. The next sections look closer at each way you can make this trip.
Rail, Bus, and Taxi Transfers
Your trip to Derby can be easy or fit any budget. If you fly into East Midlands Airport, you can use the direct Skylink bus. This bus goes often, is not costly, and takes you from the airport to Derby’s bus station. When you get to the station on the Morledge, you can take a taxi or a local bus to your accommodation.
If you land at the airport in Birmingham or Manchester, the train is a good way to go. Derby’s railway station, found on the Midland Main Line, is a busy spot with East Midlands Railway and other trains running often. Travelling from Birmingham is simple and quick. The National Express coach also runs from big airports, but you may need to change coach during your trip.
Here are your main public transport options:
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Train: This is a medium-priced and quick way to travel, mostly for people flying into Birmingham or Manchester airports. Trains go right to Derby railway station.
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Bus/Coach: If you need cheap tickets, you can use National Express or Megabus. These have lower prices but the routes can take more time. The Skylink from East Midlands Airport is direct and lots of people use it.
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Taxi: If you want the fastest choice, go by taxi. It is the most expensive but it can take you from the airport door right to where you stay.
Airport Shuttle Services and Private Hire
If you want a more personal and direct way to travel, booking an airport shuttle or private hire car is a good choice. These options give you a door-to-door transfer. This means you do not have to worry about using public transport when you have the luggage. You can book your car before your trip, and the car will meet you when you get to East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport, or at any other airport in the UK.
Private hire cars are very useful for families, groups, or if you have lots of bags. They make your travel easy and give you a smooth ride. Even though private cars cost more than a bus or train, many people think it is worth the extra money. They get you to your hotel or accommodation in Derby or the Midlands without any problems.
Think about these things when you book a private ride:
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Convenience: The driver will wait for you at arrivals and take you where you need to go.
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Comfort: You can ride in a private car that suits your group and all your bags.
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Fixed Price: When you book ahead, you usually get a price that won’t change, so you know what to pay before you go.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the airports near Derby can really improve your trip. East Midlands Airport is the main airport for the area. Birmingham Airport is also nearby and gives you good options if you want to travel around the midlands. You can use the train, bus, or a taxi to get to Derby city centre from these airports. So, you have a few ways to choose how to get there. It does not matter if you are coming for work or for a holiday. If you know about your airport choices and the best way to reach Derby, it will make your journey better and keep things simple. If you have a trip coming up, feel free to look at these options again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airports offer direct international flights near Derby?
East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport, and Manchester Airport each have many direct flights to other countries. East Midlands Airport is very good for places in Europe. Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport are both big international airports. They link the midlands to many parts of the world. These UK airports give people a lot of choices when they want to travel.
What is the easiest way to reach the University of Derby from an airport?
The easiest way to get to the University of Derby is from East Midlands Airport. There is a direct Skylink bus from the airport to Derby city centre. From that point, the university campus is close. You can take a taxi or use a local bus. This is a good and easy way for students to travel in the East Midlands. It will save you time and make your journey smoother in Derby and the Midlands.
Can I travel easily from London airports to Derby?
Yes, getting from London airports to Derby is easy. If you are coming from Heathrow, you can use the Underground to reach London St Pancras station. Then, take a direct train to Derby. Another option is to travel by National Express coach. These coaches link London’s airports with Derby, but you may need to change services during the journey.