- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston’s industries, lace, mining, and everyday life. The best starting point for understanding the town’s heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$17
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$20
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 34 m
Trains on Sep 19
2
Distance
93 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leeds to Ilkeston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Ilkeston will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 trains from Leeds to Ilkeston, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 93 km distance in an average of 1 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Ilkeston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, while a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 57 miles (93 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m 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 Leeds to Ilkeston:
A bus is $15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leeds to Ilkeston costing on average $32.
Other travel options to Ilkeston take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
Tickets start at around $32 compared to roughly $27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.65. The journey takes 1h 27m versus 1h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Ilkeston trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:09 PM Leeds | 1h35 | 3:44 PM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:04 PM Leeds | 1h40 | 6:44 PM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Leeds to Ilkeston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 but you can travel from only $10 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 21:53. The fastest train covers the 57 miles (93 km) distance in 1h 18m.
Distance 57 miles (93 km) |
Average train duration 1h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 5:56 AM |
Last train 9:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Ilkeston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilkeston trip today.
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston’s industries, lace, mining, and everyday life. The best starting point for understanding the town’s heritage.
University museum and gallery in nearby Nottingham with world cultures, archaeology, and art. A strong regional collection and a rewarding short trip from Ilkeston.
Major gallery in Nottingham featuring historic and contemporary art. Worth visiting for changing exhibitions and one of the nearest substantial art collections.
Historic civic square at the heart of Ilkeston, surrounded by key buildings and market activity. It is the best place to feel the town’s everyday character.
Well-kept town park with formal gardens, play areas, and event spaces. A popular green retreat close to the centre and a local favorite for walks.
Nature reserve and country park around former clay pits. Known for wildlife, waterside walks, and birdwatching, it offers one of Ilkeston’s best outdoor escapes.
A Derbyshire staple of slowly braised beef in rich ale gravy, often served with mash. It reflects the county's pub cooking and brewing heritage.
Soft oatcakes cooked on a griddle and filled with cheese or breakfast ingredients. Popular across the East Midlands and common in local cafés.
A traditional Derbyshire pudding made from apples baked with a light sponge or batter topping. It is a familiar regional comfort dessert.
Popular local Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
Well-known steakhouse-style venue offering grills, burgers, and comfort food in a lively modern setting.
Established pub and restaurant known for grilled dishes and hearty British meals in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, and accommodation is often cheaper than major cities like London or Manchester.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Ilkeston Railway Station -> Ilkeston Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds to Ilkeston 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 Ilkeston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leeds to Ilkeston trains use the Leeds to Ilkeston station pair. Use this guide to compare Leeds and Ilkeston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leeds has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.
Ilkeston is 1 km from Ilkeston city centre. Public transport options include:
Ilkeston has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilkeston.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23.
Available at Ilkeston: Parking.
Available at Ilkeston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilkeston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need