- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
€47
Average price
€47
Fastest journey
1 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h
Trains per day
6
Distance
146 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ilford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ilford to Leicester will cost around €47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €47.
It's difficult to get from Ilford to Leicester without transferring at least 2 times.
W70864+
C22092+
C38554
C21564+
C37376+
C22788
C21565+
W45708+
C37385
C21563+
W45653+
C37366
W70957+
C18347+
C37357
C21564+
C37376+
C22788
W70957+
C18347+
C37357
C21565+
W45708+
C37385
C21563+
W45653+
C37366
W70864+
C22092+
C38554Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ilford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €35.
Distance: 90 miles (146 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€55 Average price | €14 Average price Cheapest | €48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ilford to Leicester:
A bus is €41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ilford to Leicester costing on average €55.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 29m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (2h 6m by train vs 2h 10m by car). Tickets start at around €55 compared to roughly €48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Ilford to Leicester trains for today, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 AM Ilford | 2h02 | 11:17 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 22 | |||||
W70957+ C18347+ C37357 | 8:06 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 1h59 | 10:05 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
C21553+ C38476+ C10433 | 8:13 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 2h03 | 10:16 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
C21563+ C37366+ W45653 | 8:36 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 2h00 | 10:36 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
C21564+ C37376+ C22788 | 9:06 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 1h59 | 11:05 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
W70864+ C22092+ C38554 | 9:13 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 2h03 | 11:16 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
C21565+ W45708+ C37385 | 9:36 AM Ilford station (IFD) | 2h00 | 11:36 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Ilford to Leicester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €35 but you can travel from only €7 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 90 miles (146 km) distance in 1h 59m.
Distance 90 miles (146 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 4:37 AM |
Last train 10:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilford to Leicester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ilford to Leicester trains use the Ilford to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Ilford and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ilford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilford.
Ticket office support is available at Ilford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility Category C. This station does not have step-free access. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located At the York Mews station entrance At the Ilford Hill temporary station entrance At the Ilford south station entrance, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Seven Kings is 1 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
Seven Kings has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Seven Kings.
Wi-Fi is available at Seven Kings.
Ticket office support is available at Seven Kings. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Seven Kings: Parking.
Available at Seven Kings: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seven Kings: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Goodmayes is 2 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
Goodmayes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Goodmayes.
Wi-Fi is available at Goodmayes.
Ticket office support is available at Goodmayes. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Goodmayes: Parking, WC.
Available at Goodmayes: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goodmayes: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category B. This station has step-free access to all platforms except platform 1. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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