Discover Derbyshire’s best towns for commuting in 2026 with our top 11 picks.
From well-connected market towns to quieter villages with easy rail and road access, these locations balance travel time, affordability, and quality of life.
Whether you’re heading into nearby cities like Derby or working hybrid, this list highlights places that make the daily commute simpler without sacrificing where you live.
Here’s our top 11 picks - market towns with railway stations in Derbyshire:
1. Alfreton
Alfreton is a charming market town in Derbyshire's picturesque Amber Valley. It boasts a mixture of high street shops and smaller independent businesses, including a stained glass specialist. It is home to a traditional indoor Market Hall and has plenty of history, with links to Alfred the Great. Alfreton is only 10 minutes from Chesterfield by rail and also has direct train links to Nottingham, in as little as 23 minutes, and Sheffield, in 25 minutes, among other destinations. | Google Photo: Google
2. Belper
Belper has been described as one of the best places to live in Derbyshire, with a great selection of shops, excellent schools and easy access to the beautiful Peak District countryside. It's just 12 minutes by train from Derby, 31 minutes to Leicester, 40 minutes to Nottingham and 1 hour and 40 minutes to London. | National World Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Buxton
Buxton is one of England's most picturesque market towns and also the nation's highest. The historic spa town boasts many lovely, shops, cafes and pubs, plus some stunning architecture. There's plenty to do there, with Buxton Opera House staging an excellent array of theatre, music and comedy shows, and Poole's Cavern and Buxton Country Park on your doorstep. It's perched amid the Derbyshire hills, on the edge of the Peak District. Buxton is only 45 minutes from Stockport by train, and 59 minutes from Manchester. | National World Photo: Jason Chadwick
4. Glossop
Glossop is a historic Derbyshire market town nestled between Sheffield and Manchester, near the edge of the Peak District. The pretty town is home to some lovely independent shops, selling wares ranging from books and artwork to designer clothes and locally produced food and drinks. There are plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from too. Glossop is only 31 minutes by train from Manchester. | Google Photo: Google