- Recommended
Ilfracombe Museum
Local museum covering Ilfracombe's maritime, social, and natural history. A strong introduction to the town through varied artifacts and displays.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$67
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$74
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h 4 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
5 h 23 m
Trains on Sep 18
4
Distance
279 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 trains from London to Ilfracombe, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 5 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 4 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 6 h 17 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 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)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $484 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration 5h 53m 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 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 London to Ilfracombe:
A bus is $49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Ilfracombe costing on average $102.
A bus is $431 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Ilfracombe costing on average $484.
Other travel options to Ilfracombe take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Bus takes on average 5h 53m.
You'll arrive about 29m sooner (3h 59m by train vs 4h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $102 compared to roughly $90 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 London to Ilfracombe trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79406+ Y41540+ C93109 | Delayed 2:48 PM 2:08 PMLondon Victoria (VIC) | 6h24 | 8:32 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 2 transfers | |
L79406+ Y41540+ C93109 | Delayed 2:48 PM 2:08 PMLondon Victoria (VIC) | 6h14 | 8:22 PM Umberleigh station (UMB) | 2 transfers | |
L79411+ G15020 · G14985 · Y41544 | On time 3:50 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 5h43 | 9:33 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 3 transfers | |
W34823 · Y41536 | On time 4:03 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h28 | 7:31 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1 transfer | |
W34830 · Y41540 | On time 5:03 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h29 | 8:32 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1 transfer | |
W34836 · Y41544 | On time 6:03 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h30 | 9:33 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1 transfer | |
W34842 · Y41547 | On time 7:04 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h33 | 10:37 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1 transfer | |
L80836+ W34774 · G15158+ G26259 | On time 8:35 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 9h44 | 6:19 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 3 transfers | |
L80846+ W34774 · Y41488 | On time 9:18 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 10h58 | 8:16 AM Chapelton station (CPN) | 2 transfers | |
L80855+ W34774 · Y41488+ C82920 | On time 9:24 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 10h52 | 8:16 AM Chapelton station (CPN) | 3 transfers | |
L80855+ W34774 · Y41488 | On time 9:48 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 10h28 | 8:16 AM Chapelton station (CPN) | 2 transfers | |
L80864+ W34774 · Y41488+ G26360 | On time 9:54 PM London Victoria (VIC) | 10h22 | 8:16 AM Chapelton station (CPN) | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
![]() | 8:08 AM London | 6h17 | 2:25 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 AM London | 5h07 | 1:27 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:20 PM London | 5h04 | 5:24 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:20 PM London | 5h04 | 6:24 PM Ilfracombe | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from London to Ilfracombe run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 but you can travel from only $19 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 2h 57m.
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average train duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ilfracombe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilfracombe trip today.
Local museum covering Ilfracombe's maritime, social, and natural history. A strong introduction to the town through varied artifacts and displays.
Harbor gallery showing Damien Hirst works in a dramatic waterside setting. Important for contemporary art visitors exploring the town's creative side.
Nearby heritage mill with interpretive displays, crafts, and gallery elements. Offers a broader cultural stop just outside central Ilfracombe.
The heart of Ilfracombe's waterfront, lined with boats, historic buildings, and sea views. Essential for atmosphere, walks, and access to key sights.
Coastal hill and open space above the harbor with excellent viewpoints. Ideal for photos, sea breezes, and understanding the town's coastal layout.
Dramatic coastal path section with cliffs, sea panoramas, and wildlife interest. A top choice for active visitors wanting classic North Devon scenery.
Fresh North Devon crab is a local harbour staple, prized for sweet meat landed nearby and served simply in sandwiches, salads, or dressed platters.
Exmoor mussels are cultivated on the nearby coast and loved for their clean, briny flavour, often steamed with cider, garlic, or cream.
Beer-battered fish and chips is a classic Devon seaside meal, usually made with local catch and best eaten fresh by the harbour.
Well-regarded restaurant offering modern British cooking with seafood and seasonal produce in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular casual spot serving freshly cooked fish and chips near the seafront, valued for reliable portions and classic takeaway style.
Established harbourside seafood restaurant known for local fish, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining with water views.
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Ilfracombe trains use the London Paddington to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Ilfracombe train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Paddington 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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