Ilford to Leicester train with East Midlands Railway

Sat, Aug 22
+ Add return
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Ilford to Leicester

Showing times and prices for Aug 22

Cheapest price

€47

Average price

€47

Fastest journey

1 h 59 m

Average duration

2 h

Trains per day

6

Distance

146 km

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Ilford to Leicester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • East Midlands RailwayW70864+ThameslinkC22092+Elizabeth lineC38554
    9:13 AM2h03
    Ilford station (IFD)
    11:16 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    471One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21564+Elizabeth lineC37376+ThameslinkC22788
    9:06 AM1h59
    Ilford station (IFD)
    11:05 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    471One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21565+ThameslinkW45708+Elizabeth lineC37385
    9:36 AM2h00
    Ilford station (IFD)
    11:36 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    471One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayC21563+ThameslinkW45653+Elizabeth lineC37366
    8:36 AM2h00
    Ilford station (IFD)
    10:36 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    471One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70957+ThameslinkC18347+Elizabeth lineC37357
    8:06 AM1h59
    Ilford station (IFD)
    10:05 AMLeicester station (LEI)
    471One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Ilford to Leicester

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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)

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Ilford to Leicester is a bus with an average price of €14.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Ilford to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.

Other travel options to Leicester take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ilford and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ilford to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

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.

Live departures

Ilford to Leicester train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands Railway9:15 AM Ilford
2h02
11:17 AM Leicester0 transfersDirect
Saturday, August 22
East Midlands RailwayW70957+ThameslinkC18347+Elizabeth lineC373578:06 AM Ilford station (IFD)
1h59
10:05 AM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21553+Elizabeth lineC38476+ThameslinkC104338:13 AM Ilford station (IFD)
2h03
10:16 AM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21563+Elizabeth lineC37366+ThameslinkW456538:36 AM Ilford station (IFD)
2h00
10:36 AM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21564+Elizabeth lineC37376+ThameslinkC227889:06 AM Ilford station (IFD)
1h59
11:05 AM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayW70864+ThameslinkC22092+Elizabeth lineC385549:13 AM Ilford station (IFD)
2h03
11:16 AM Leicester station (LEI)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC21565+ThameslinkW45708+Elizabeth lineC373859:36 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 prices and tickets Ilford to Leicester by bus or train

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.

Sat
Aug 22
Sun
Aug 23
Mon
Aug 24
Tue
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28

Why should you book Ilford to Leicester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) offer trains services from Ilford to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ilford to Leicester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Leicester.
  • 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ilford to Leicester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Leicester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Ilford to Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ilford to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €7
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €7

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) from Ilford to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) trains will get you between Ilford and Leicester from €7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 59m
Cheapest Price
€35
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
€40
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Elizabeth Line (TfL)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Price
€60
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
50 a day

Complete guide to Leicester

Things to do in Leicester

Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.

  • Must visit

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.

  • Recommended

Abbey Pumping Station

A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Ilford to Leicester

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Ilford to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €35, while the average price is around €55.
The train from Ilford to Leicester takes 1h 59m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Ilford to Leicester leaves at 4:37 AM.
The distance by train from Ilford to Leicester is 90 miles (146 km).
The last train from Ilford to Leicester leaves at 10:43 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Ilford to Leicester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Ilford to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ilford to Leicester.
The train station in Ilford that goes to Leicester is Ilford station (IFD), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Ilford to Leicester is by bus, with a cost of around €7.
The train journey from Ilford to Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the outskirts of London and into the English countryside, which can provide some scenic moments, particularly as you approach more rural areas.
A day trip from Ilford to Leicester is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 59m. Trains run 3 times per day over a distance of 90 miles (146 km).
Typically, 2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore Leicester's main attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Ilford to Leicester.
Since neither Ilford nor Leicester 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.
Popular day trips by train from Leicester include Nottingham, Birmingham, Derby, Loughborough, Beeston.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ilford to Leicester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Ilford to Leicester

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.

Departure train stations in Ilford
Arrival train stations in Leicester

Which Ilford station do trains to Leicester leave from?

Trains from Ilford to Leicester leave from Ilford. The station is from Ilford city centre at Ilford station, Ilford Hill, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 2DG.
IlfordIlford station, Ilford Hill, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 2DGShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Ilford from Ilford city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement bus services will depart from: High Road, Bus Stop L, for Westbound services Ilford Hill, Bus Stop F, for Eastbound services Click here for map

Ilford 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

Food and drink options are available at Ilford.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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 KingsSeven Kings station, High Road, Seven Kings, Greater London, IG3 8REWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Seven Kings from Ilford city centre

Seven Kings is 1 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainElizabeth, Heathrow Terminal 5 - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Gidea Park, Heathrow Terminal 4 - Shenfield, Hayes & Harlington - Shenfield · 3m · €1 · every ~21 min
Bus86, N86 · 7m · €4 · every ~32 min

Seven Kings train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Seven Kings.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Seven Kings.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Seven Kings: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Seven Kings: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

GoodmayesGoodmayes station, Goodmayes Road, Goodmayes, Greater London, IG3 9UHWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Goodmayes from Ilford city centre

Goodmayes is 2 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainElizabeth, Heathrow Terminal 5 - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Gidea Park, Heathrow Terminal 4 - Shenfield, Hayes & Harlington - Shenfield · 5m · €2 · every ~21 min
Bus86, N86 · 8m · €4 · every ~32 min
86, N86 · 9m · €4 · every ~32 min
364 · 19m · €19 · every ~23 min
364 · 21m · €20 · every ~23 min

Goodmayes train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Goodmayes.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Goodmayes.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Goodmayes: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Goodmayes: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Ilford to Leicester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone