- Recommended
Ilfracombe Museum
The town museum covers Ilfracombe's maritime, railway and social history through local artefacts, archives and changing displays.
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 15 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
279 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Ilfracombe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Ilfracombe will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Of the 3 buses that leave London for Ilfracombe every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 279 km distance in an average of 6 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 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 Ilfracombe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £19.
Distance: 279 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price | £211 Average Price |
6h 42m Average total duration 6h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for London to Ilfracombe coaches for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NX502 | 10:20 London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 6h00 | 16:20 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 1 change | |
NX502 | 10:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h50 | 16:20 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX040 · NX502 | 10:50 London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 8h05 | 18:55 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 1 change | |
NX502 | 12:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h25 | 18:55 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX032 · NX502 | 13:50 London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 8h35 | 22:25 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 1 change | |
NX502 | 16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h55 | 22:25 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, 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.
Buses from London to Ilfracombe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 23:25. The fastest coach covers the 279 km distance in 5h 35m.
Distance 279 km |
Average bus duration 6h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 35m |
First bus 6:00 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Ilfracombe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilfracombe trip today.
The town museum covers Ilfracombe's maritime, railway and social history through local artefacts, archives and changing displays.
A harbour-side gallery showing Damien Hirst works and selected contemporary art in a compact but high-profile local venue.
An artist-led gallery with exhibitions, studios and workshops, making it a good stop for contemporary North Devon art.
Ilfracombe's working harbour is the town's social centre, with sea views, boats, coastal walks and easy access to key sights.
This hand-carved tunnel route leads to a sheltered beach and tidal pool, combining Victorian engineering with dramatic scenery.
A grassy cliff-top park with paths, sea views and picnic space, popular for relaxed walks above the beach and coast.
A rich fish stew from North Devon, made with mixed local fish and shellfish. A classic way to taste the area’s coastal catch.
Fresh Atlantic lobster landed on the North Devon coast, usually simply grilled or dressed to highlight the quality of local seafood.
Sweet crab from nearby waters, often served dressed, in sandwiches or with salad. It is a staple of Devon’s seaside food culture.
Harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Well-known harbour area fish and chip shop for classic takeaway suppers, including fresh local fish.
Long-established restaurant and bar with sea views, offering seafood and British dishes in a smart but informal setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town: stays and dining cost more in peak season, while local buses are manageable and budget eats are available.
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional; small change is fine.
At least one bus a day leaves London Victoria Coach Station for Ilfracombe, in Devon. Most weekdays have a single daily service which departs London at 3:30 p.m. and arrives into Ilfracombe at 10:05 p.m. after a six hour and 35 minute journey. On Fridays, two buses make the journey. The first leaves London at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at Ilfracombe at 3:40 p.m. The second leaves London at 3:30 p.m. and arrives into Ilfracombe at 10:20 p.m. after a six hour 50 minute journey. Saturdays and Sundays have the same timetable as Fridays, although the later bus has a shorter journey time, arriving into Ilfracombe at 9:45 p.m. All journeys are direct. National Express runs the service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Ilfracombe by coach. 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 coach, 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 buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Ilfracombe bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road is 7 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road. ATMs are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Ticket office support is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Wheelchair accessible.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need