- 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 Aug 29
€46
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€46
Fastest journey on Aug 29
2 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
2 h 25 m
Trains on Aug 29
1
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Ilkeston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Ilkeston will cost around €46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 1 trains from London to Ilkeston, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 2 h 25 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 London to Ilkeston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, while a train costs an average of €86.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€86 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest | €38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Ilkeston:
A bus is €67 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Ilkeston costing on average €83.
Other travel options to Ilkeston take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 14m.
You'll arrive about 57m sooner (1h 58m by train vs 2h 55m by car). Tickets start at around €83 compared to roughly €38 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 Ilkeston trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:35 PM London | 1h54 | 2:29 PM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
![]() | 6:05 AM London | 2h25 | 8:30 AM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 London to Ilkeston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €35 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 5:27 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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 London 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 London to Ilkeston trains use the London St Pancras International to Ilkeston station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Ilkeston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
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.
Lewisham is 9 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Lewisham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Lewisham.
ATMs are available at Lewisham.
Ticket office support is available at Lewisham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lewisham: Parking, WC.
Available at Lewisham: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lewisham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Direct access via lift to platforms 1,3 & 4 from subway. Step free access to platform 2 via booking hall and lift to platform 3, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: station forecourt/ booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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