- 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 23
$7
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$7
Fastest journey on Sep 23
38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
38 m
Trains on Sep 23
2
Distance
47 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sheffield to Ilkeston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sheffield to Ilkeston will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
On Wed, Sep 23, we found 2 trains from Sheffield to Ilkeston, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 23 the direct trains cover the 47 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest trains will take 38 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 Sheffield to Ilkeston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, while a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 29 miles (47 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 8m Average total duration Fastest 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m 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 Sheffield to Ilkeston:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sheffield to Ilkeston costing on average $15 (€12).
Other travel options to Ilkeston take longer:
Bus takes on average 53m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (38m by train vs 53m by car). Tickets start at around $15 (€12) compared to roughly $12 (€10) 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.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway.
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 Sheffield to Ilkeston trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:06 AM Sheffield | 0h38 | 9:44 AM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:06 AM Sheffield | 0h38 | 10:44 AM Ilkeston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Sheffield to Ilkeston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 29 miles (47 km) distance in 36m.
Distance 29 miles (47 km) |
Average train duration 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 36m |
First train 5:15 AM |
Last train 11:21 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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 Sheffield 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 Sheffield to Ilkeston trains use the Sheffield to Ilkeston station pair. Use this guide to compare Sheffield and Ilkeston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Sheffield has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Sheffield.
ATMs are available at Sheffield.
Ticket office support is available at Sheffield. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sheffield: Parking, WC.
Available at Sheffield: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sheffield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the concourse and ticket hall. There are lifts available to all platforms. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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