Luton to Ilford train with Thameslink

Thu, Aug 20
+ Add return
Thameslink
London Overground
east_midlands_trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
London Overground
east_midlands_trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Ilford

Showing times and prices for Aug 20

Cheapest price

$19

Average price

$29

Fastest journey

1 h 9 m

Average duration

1 h 12 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

49 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Ilford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Luton to Ilford will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Luton to Ilford without transferring at least once.

  • ThameslinkX89565+London OvergroundG58863+Elizabeth lineC37966
    10:42 AM1h39
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:21 PMIlford station (IFD)
    $191One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW45545+London OvergroundG58855+Elizabeth lineC37926
    10:13 AM1h37
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:50 AMIlford station (IFD)
    $191One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW32947+Elizabeth lineC37867
    9:59 AM1h14
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:13 AMIlford station (IFD)
    $241One-way
    1 transfer
  • ThameslinkW45545+Elizabeth lineC37893
    10:13 AM1h15
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:28 AMIlford station (IFD)
    $241One-way
    1 transfer
  • ThameslinkX89565+Elizabeth lineC37934
    10:42 AM1h16
    Luton station (LUT)
    11:58 AMIlford station (IFD)
    $241One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Luton to Ilford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Ilford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $17.

Distance: 30 miles (49 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$28

Average price

$6

Average price

Cheapest

$33

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 55m

Average total duration

1h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 0m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Ilford is a bus with an average price of $6 (€5).

This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Ilford:

A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Ilford costing on average $28 (€23).

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Ilford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 8m.

Other travel options to Ilford take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 25m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Ilford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Ilford among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $28 (€23) compared to roughly $33 (€26) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€4). The journey takes 1h 8m versus 1h 0m 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.

Live departures

Luton to Ilford train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Ilford trains for today, Wednesday, August 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ThameslinkX89569+Elizabeth lineC37991
On time
3:59 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h11
5:10 PM Ilford station (IFD)
1 transfer
ThameslinkW45576+London OvergroundP02538+Elizabeth lineC38093
On time
4:13 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h50
6:03 PM Ilford station (IFD)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45576+Elizabeth lineC38023
On time
4:13 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h16
5:29 PM Ilford station (IFD)
1 transfer
ThameslinkW45486 · W29045+London OvergroundG07304+Elizabeth lineC38113
On time
4:20 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h51
6:11 PM Ilford station (IFD)
3 transfers
ThameslinkW45486+Elizabeth lineC38032
On time
4:20 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h13
5:33 PM Ilford station (IFD)
1 transfer
East Midlands RailwayC04260+ThameslinkW29045+Elizabeth lineC38063
On time
4:26 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h20
5:46 PM Ilford station (IFD)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45570+Elizabeth lineC38086
On time
4:43 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h16
5:59 PM Ilford station (IFD)
1 transfer
ThameslinkW45570+London OvergroundC11105+Elizabeth lineC38128
On time
4:43 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h38
6:21 PM Ilford station (IFD)
2 transfers
ThameslinkC10069+London OvergroundG07309+Elizabeth lineC38148
On time
4:47 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h46
6:33 PM Ilford station (IFD)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45397 · C22614+London OvergroundG58971+Elizabeth lineC38168
On time
4:51 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h50
6:41 PM Ilford station (IFD)
3 transfers
ThameslinkW45397+Elizabeth lineC38093
On time
4:51 PM Luton station (LUT)
1h12
6:03 PM Ilford station (IFD)
1 transfer
Thursday, August 20
ThameslinkC10082+Elizabeth lineC381028:01 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h18
9:19 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkC10082+London OvergroundG07197+Elizabeth lineC381368:01 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h45
9:46 AM Ilford station (IFD)2 transfers
ThameslinkW45524+Elizabeth lineC381098:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h11
9:24 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkW45524+London OvergroundG58809+Elizabeth lineC381448:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h39
9:52 AM Ilford station (IFD)2 transfers
ThameslinkW32958+Elizabeth lineC381308:27 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h13
9:40 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkW45520+Elizabeth lineC381448:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h09
9:52 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkW32947+Elizabeth lineC378679:59 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h14
11:13 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkW45545+London OvergroundG58855+Elizabeth lineC3792610:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h37
11:50 AM Ilford station (IFD)2 transfers
ThameslinkW45545+Elizabeth lineC3789310:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h15
11:28 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkW45384+Elizabeth lineC3790910:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h14
11:43 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer
ThameslinkX89565+London OvergroundG58863+Elizabeth lineC3796610:42 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h39
12:21 PM Ilford station (IFD)2 transfers
ThameslinkX89565+Elizabeth lineC3793410:42 AM Luton station (LUT)
1h16
11:58 AM Ilford station (IFD)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Ilford by train or bus

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.

Thu
Aug 20
Fri
Aug 21
Sat
Aug 22
Sun
Aug 23
Mon
Aug 24
Tue
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26

Why should you book Luton to Ilford trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as London Overground or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Luton to Ilford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Ilford.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of London Overground or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Ilford.
  • 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Ilford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London Overground or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Ilford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Ilford.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Luton to Ilford?

The best time to book your train from Luton to Ilford is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Ilford route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton to Ilford per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Luton to Ilford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Ilford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Ilford run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 30 miles (49 km) distance in 1h 6m.

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 $5 (€4)
Distance
30 miles (49 km)
Average train duration
1h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€14)
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
1h 6m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:51 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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 $5 (€4)

Train companies: Thameslink, London Overground, east_midlands_trains from Luton to Ilford trainsThameslink, London Overground, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Luton and Ilford from $5 (€4). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 6m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
Thameslink frequency
9 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
Family area

London Overground

About
London Overground is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of suburban rail services in and around Greater London. The services run from early morning until late at night, with some lines running 24 hours a day. The trains come in a variety of types, including the Class 378 Capitalstar, Class 172 Turbostar, Class 315, Class 317, Class 508 and Class 700 Desiro City. London Overground offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, off-peak and super off-peak tickets. Onboard facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, power sockets and CCTV. The most popular routes for London Overground are from Euston to Watford Junction, from Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, and from Clapham Junction to Stratford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
London Overground frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two large items of luggage and one small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Luggage racks available at the ends of carriages and overhead storage
Cancellation Policy
Refunds subject to administrative fee and fare conditions
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at many stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Maximum two dogs per passenger

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
59m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
east_midlands_trains frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Ilford

Things to do in Ilford

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

  • Must visit

Valentines Mansion

Historic country house museum with period rooms, exhibitions, and stories of Redbridge life, set in landscaped park grounds.

  • Must visit

National Maritime Museum

National museum in nearby Greenwich covering maritime history, navigation, and exploration through engaging family-friendly displays.

  • Recommended

Redbridge Museum

Local heritage museum inside a former fire station, presenting exhibitions on Redbridge history, people, and everyday life.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for Greater London. Dining and hotels cost more than many UK towns, but local transit is good value and budget food options are common.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or takeaway.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: no tip expected, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Luton to Ilford

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton to Ilford 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 Ilford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Luton to Ilford can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $17 (€14), while the average price is around $28 (€23).
The train from Luton to Ilford takes 1h 6m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Luton to Ilford leaves at 12:01 AM.
The distance by train from Luton to Ilford is 30 miles (49 km).
The last train from Luton to Ilford leaves at 11:51 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Luton to Ilford.
There is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Ilford.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Luton to Ilford.
The train station in Luton that goes to Ilford is Luton station (LUT), which connects to Ilford station (IFD).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Ilford is by bus, with a cost of around $5 (€4).
The train journey from Luton to Ilford primarily traverses urban and suburban landscapes, with views of residential areas, industrial sites, and parts of the countryside, but it is not typically considered scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Luton to Ilford is feasible with a travel time of 1h 6m and a distance of 30 miles (49 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
Spending one to two days in Ilford is generally sufficient to explore its local attractions, enjoy the parks, and experience the cultural offerings.
Yes, you can take the train from Luton to Ilford.
Since neither Luton nor Ilford 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 Ilford include Chelmsford, White Notley, Clacton-on-Sea, Reading, Slough.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Ilford 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 Ilford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in busy areas like shopping centers and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial money exchange services. Staying alert, using licensed transportation, and securing personal belongings can help 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 Luton to Ilford

Most Luton to Ilford trains use the Luton to Ilford station pair, with some services arriving at Seven Kings. Use this guide to compare Luton and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Ilford

Which Luton station do trains to Ilford leave from?

Trains from Luton to Ilford leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LTWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min

Luton train station facilities and services

Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JWWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre

Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · $1 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · $5 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · $2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · $5 · every ~7 min

Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UKAccessibility

Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

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