- Recommended
Ilfracombe Museum
Local museum covering Ilfracombe's maritime, social, and natural history. A strong introduction to the town through varied artifacts and displays.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London to Ilfracombe
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$34
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$46
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
6 h 20 m
Buses on Sep 18
4
Distance
279 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Ilfracombe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Ilfracombe will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 buses from London to Ilfracombe, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 279 km distance in an average of 6 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
11:30 AM6h55London6:25 PMIlfracombe$341One-way0 transfers- 4:30 PM5h55London10:25 PMIlfracombe$431One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM5h35London9:05 PMIlfracombe$451One-way0 transfers
- 12:30 PM6h55London7:25 PMIlfracombe$601One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM5h35London9:05 PMIlfracombe$451One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM5h55London10:25 PMIlfracombe$431One-way0 transfers
- 12:30 PM6h55London7:25 PMIlfracombe$601One-way0 transfers
- 11:30 AM6h55London6:25 PMIlfracombe$341One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for London to Ilfracombe
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London to Ilfracombe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, while a flight costs an average of $484.
Distance: 173 miles (279 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price | $484 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 23m Average total duration 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Ilfracombe is a bus with an average price of $53 (€44).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Ilfracombe:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Ilfracombe costing on average $102 (€83).
A bus is $431 (€353) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Ilfracombe costing on average $484 (€396).
The fastest way to travel from London to Ilfracombe is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 34m.
Other travel options to Ilfracombe take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Bus takes on average 5h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Ilfracombe including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London to Ilfracombe among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $53 (€44) compared to roughly $90 (€74) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37 (€30). The journey takes 5h 53m versus 4h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
London to Ilfracombe Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
London to Ilfracombe bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Ilfracombe buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX502 | 4:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h55 | 9:55 PM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
| 11:30 AM London | 6h55 | 6:25 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:30 PM London | 6h55 | 7:25 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Ilfracombe by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book London to Ilfracombe buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from London to Ilfracombe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Ilfracombe.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Ilfracombe.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Ilfracombe.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Ilfracombe
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Ilfracombe run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 5m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express from London to IlfracombeYou can travel by bus between London to Ilfracombe with National Express for as low as $19 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
5h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
$19 (€16)
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Ilfracombe
Things to do in Ilfracombe
Discover the best of Ilfracombe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilfracombe trip today.
- Recommended
Number 11 The Quay
Harbor gallery showing Damien Hirst works in a dramatic waterside setting. Important for contemporary art visitors exploring the town's creative side.
- Recommended
Hele Corn Mill
Nearby heritage mill with interpretive displays, crafts, and gallery elements. Offers a broader cultural stop just outside central Ilfracombe.
- Must visit
Ilfracombe Harbour
The heart of Ilfracombe's waterfront, lined with boats, historic buildings, and sea views. Essential for atmosphere, walks, and access to key sights.
- Must visit
Capstone Hill
Coastal hill and open space above the harbor with excellent viewpoints. Ideal for photos, sea breezes, and understanding the town's coastal layout.
- Must visit
South West Coast Path around Ilfracombe
Dramatic coastal path section with cliffs, sea panoramas, and wildlife interest. A top choice for active visitors wanting classic North Devon scenery.
- Gluten-free
North Devon Crab
Fresh North Devon crab is a local harbour staple, prized for sweet meat landed nearby and served simply in sandwiches, salads, or dressed platters.
- Gluten-free
Exmoor Mussels
Exmoor mussels are cultivated on the nearby coast and loved for their clean, briny flavour, often steamed with cider, garlic, or cream.
Fish And Chips
Beer-battered fish and chips is a classic Devon seaside meal, usually made with local catch and best eaten fresh by the harbour.
Thomas Carr At The Olive Room
Well-regarded restaurant offering modern British cooking with seafood and seasonal produce in a smart but welcoming setting.
S & P Fish Shop
Popular casual spot serving freshly cooked fish and chips near the seafront, valued for reliable portions and classic takeaway style.
The Admiral Collingwood
Established harbourside seafood restaurant known for local fish, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining with water views.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms and dining cost less than major UK cities, but summer prices rise. Local buses are affordable and many sights are low-cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for dinner in an upscale restaurant.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafe tipping is optional.
FAQs: Bus from London to Ilfracombe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Ilfracombe by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ilfracombe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Ilfracombe can start from as little as $19 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Ilfracombe is $53 (€44) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from London to Ilfracombe is 5h 5m to travel the 173 miles (279 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from London to Ilfracombe leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Ilfracombe leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from London to Ilfracombe with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from London to Ilfracombe, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ilfracombe. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London and Ilfracombe and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from London , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Hammersmith Bridge Road, London, York Road (London Eye), London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station) . When arriving in Ilfracombe , you can end your journey in bus stations like Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), Fremington, Church Hill / Old School Lane, Bickington, Bickington Road / North Lane .Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ilfracombe from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Ilfracombe is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Ilfracombe including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Ilfracombe for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London to Ilfracombe depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London to Ilfracombe.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London to Ilfracombe.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London to Ilfracombe with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London to Ilfracombe with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London to Ilfracombe with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London nor Ilfracombe are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from London to Ilfracombe among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Ilfracombe, travelers should be mindful of common coastal safety concerns such as slippery rocks and strong tides when visiting beaches and cliffs. There are no widespread scams reported specific to Ilfracombe, but travelers are advised to remain cautious with personal belongings in crowded areas and to use reputable transportation and ticket vendors to avoid potential fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from London to Ilfracombe
Most London to Ilfracombe buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Ilfracombe bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Ilfracombe
Which London station do buses to Ilfracombe leave from?
Buses from London to Ilfracombe leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN11, N44 · 9m · $13 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · $2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · $2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · $2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · $1 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · $2 · every ~26 min
London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Hammersmith Bridge RoadHammersmith Bridge Rd, London, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Hammersmith Bridge Road from London city centre
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road is 7 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN9 · 21m · $2 · every ~4 min
702 · 28m · $2 · every ~5 min
N9 · 28m · $2 · every ~4 min
N97 · 32m · $45 · every ~3 min
9, N9 · 44m · $2 · every ~26 min
27, N27 · 47m · $2 · every ~26 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 17m · $7 · every ~91 min
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road bus station facilities and services
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road. ATMs are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Wheelchair accessible.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, Hounslow, TW6 1EW, London, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre
TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 4, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 21m · $43 · every ~3 min
Elizabeth · 41m · $21 · every ~8 min
BusUkn14, Ukn02, Uk043, Uk042, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn49 · 50m · $2 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · $4 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · $4 · every ~1 min
N9 · 1h 11m · $2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 48m · $26 · every ~27 min
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 bus station facilities and services
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
More options for your journey from London to Ilfracombe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ilfracombe and London
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