- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ilford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $120.
Distance: 164 miles (265 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $219 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ilford to Manchester:
A bus is $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ilford to Manchester costing on average $109 (€89).
A bus is $205 (€168) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ilford to Manchester costing on average $219 (€179).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 46m.
Bus takes on average 5h 17m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (3h 46m by train vs 3h 51m by car). Tickets start at around $109 (€89) compared to roughly $104 (€85) 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.
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Ilford to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 164 miles (265 km) distance in 3h 6m.
Distance 164 miles (265 km) |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 6m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 10:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester -> Manchester City Centre, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilford to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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