FAQs
Good to know
Everything people ask before a trip to Chatsworth on the X6.
When does the X6 run?
Tuesday to Saturday while the Chatsworth Christmas Market is open, from Tuesday, 10 November 2026 to Saturday, 12 December 2026. There's no bus on Sundays or Mondays.
What time does the bus leave and come back?
It leaves Derby Bus Station (Bay 24) at 09.30 and arrives at Chatsworth House at 11.00. The bus home leaves Chatsworth at 14.20 and is back in Derby at 15.50. That gives you 3h 20m at Chatsworth.
How much does it cost?
From Derby to Chatsworth House it's £10.00 adult return and £8.00 child return. From Belper it's £9.00 adult and £6.00 child. Single fares are available too. See the fares page for every journey.
Do I need to book the bus?
Pay the driver on board by contactless or cash. No need to book the bus.
Can I use my bus pass?
We're sorry, not on this one. The X6 is a special seasonal service rather than a regular local bus, so concessionary bus passes, Derbyshire Wayfarer, b-line and Spectrum tickets can't be used on board. Everyone pays the same simple fare to the driver, and children aged 5 to 18 travel at the child fare.
Is the X6 accessible?
Albatross Bus & Coaches' Code of Practice for Disabled Customers explains the help available. It's on the Policies page. If you need assistance getting on or off, call 01332 345 678 before you travel.
I left something on the bus. What do I do?
Call 01332 345 678 or email info@albatrosscoaches.com as soon as you can. The Lost Property Policy on the Policies page explains how belongings are kept and returned.
Who counts as a child?
Child fares are for ages 5 to 18 inclusive.
Does the bus fare include entry to Chatsworth?
No. Book your Chatsworth tickets with Chatsworth before you travel: adults (17+) £40, children (3–16) £12, under 3s free (2026 prices). A carer goes free with a disabled visitor's full-price ticket.
Can I see the light trail on the X6?
The garden light trail starts at dusk, after the bus home has left, so the X6 is a daytime trip. The decorated house, the garden and the market are all there for you in the daytime.
Can I bring my dog?
Please call 01332 345 678 before you travel to check about dogs on the bus. At Chatsworth, only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, farmyard and playground. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and park.
Where can I get on?
The main stops are Derby Bus Station, Allestree, Duffield, Milford, Belper, Ambergate, Matlock Bath, Matlock, Darley Dale, Rowsley, Bakewell and Pilsley. The bus also stops at every bus stop on the way, including Darley Abbey, Whatstandwell, Cromford and Edensor.
Is it the same stop on the way back?
Mostly. In Duffield, Belper, Matlock and Bakewell the return stop is different: Duffield Milford Road, Belper outside the Bus Garage, Matlock Bakewell Road (Stand 6) and Bakewell Matlock Street (Stand E).
Can I use the X6 for journeys that don't go to Chatsworth?
Yes. You can travel between any two stops on the route, for example Derby to Matlock or Belper to Bakewell. The fare finder shows the price.
Who runs the X6?
Albatross Coaches (Albatross Bus & Coaches Ltd), based in Derby. Call 01332 345 678 or email info@albatrosscoaches.com.
Still stuck? Get in touch or call 01332 345 678.