- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Ilkeston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£6
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 h 52 m
Buses on 23 Sept
3
Distance
181 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Ilkeston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Ilkeston will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.
Fast coaches
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 3 buses from London to Ilkeston, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 55 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.
12:352h45London15:20Ilkeston£51One-way0 changes- 5:302h55London8:25Ilkeston£61One-way0 changes
- 6:302h55London9:25Ilkeston£71One-way0 changes
- 12:352h45London15:20Ilkeston£51One-way0 changes
- 6:302h55London9:25Ilkeston£71One-way0 changes
- 5:302h55London8:25Ilkeston£61One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for London to Ilkeston
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 coach, with an average ticket price of £13 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 coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £77.
Distance: 181 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£13 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train 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.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Ilkeston is a coach with an average price of £13.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Ilkeston:
A coach is £64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Ilkeston costing on average £77.
The fastest way to travel from London to Ilkeston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 58m.
Other travel options to Ilkeston take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Ilkeston including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £13 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £21. The journey takes 3h 12m versus 2h 55m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
London to Ilkeston bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Ilkeston coaches for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 20:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h00 | 23:30 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 21:05 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 2h25 | 23:30 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h25 | 0:55 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 22:10 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 2h45 | 0:55 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 23:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h20 | 2:20 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 23:35 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 2h45 | 2:20 Nottingham, University of Nottingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| 5:30 London | 2h55 | 8:25 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 6:30 London | 2h55 | 9:25 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:35 London | 2h45 | 15:20 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Ilkeston by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
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23 Sept
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Why should you book London to Ilkeston coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from London to Ilkeston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Ilkeston.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London to Ilkeston.
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Ilkeston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London to Ilkeston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from London to Ilkeston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Ilkeston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Ilkeston run on average 33 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 29 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 181 km distance in 2h 20m.
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
Distance 181 km |
Average bus duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 33 |
Direct buses 29 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from London to IlkestonYou can travel by bus between London to Ilkeston with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £6. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£6
FlixBus frequency
21 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£8
National Express frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Ilkeston
Things to do in Ilkeston
Discover the best of Ilkeston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilkeston trip today.
- Recommended
Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre
Nearby community museum on the former Bennerley School site, presenting local education and everyday history with volunteer-led exhibits.
Canal Street Gallery
Independent arts venue with exhibitions, performances, and workshops. A useful stop for contemporary local creativity near the town centre.
- Must visit
Shipley Country Park
Large country park on Ilkeston's edge with woodland, lakes, and marked trails. Ideal for longer walks and a mix of nature and heritage.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
The town's principal park with formal gardens, play areas, and event spaces. A pleasant base for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Nutbrook Trail
Linear waterside route popular for walking and cycling, offering a quieter side of Ilkeston and links to surrounding countryside.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Cob
A soft white bread roll from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, often filled with bacon, cheese or cobs-and-beer staples. It is a strong local identity marker.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Curd Tart
A traditional Derbyshire pudding made with dried fruit, spice and suet, usually served sliced with custard. It is a classic county comfort dessert.
- Vegetarian
Curd Tart
A baked tart of curd cheese, eggs, sugar and currants linked with Derbyshire baking traditions. It is a well-known regional teatime treat.
Anila Indian Restaurant
Popular Ilkeston Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a relaxed, established setting.
L’Oliva
Established Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains, suited to relaxed meals with family or friends.
The Burnt Pig
Well-known local pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a traditional, casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotels nearby can raise overall trip costs compared with cheaper Midlands towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Cafes and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is welcome.
FAQs: London to Ilkeston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Ilkeston 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 Ilkeston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from London to Ilkeston can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Ilkeston is £13; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from London to Ilkeston is 2h 20m to travel the 181 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from London to Ilkeston leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Ilkeston leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 29 direct coaches a day from London to Ilkeston with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Ilkeston, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Ilkeston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London and Ilkeston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from London , you have various coach station options to start your route from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) . When arriving in Ilkeston , you can end your route in coach stations like Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R).Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Nottingham, University of Nottingham, located 0 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Ilkeston is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Ilkeston including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London to Ilkeston:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London to Ilkeston for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London to Ilkeston depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from London to Ilkeston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London to Ilkeston:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from London to Ilkeston:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from London to Ilkeston. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London to Ilkeston with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Ilkeston with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Ilkeston with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Ilkeston
Most London to Ilkeston buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Nottingham, University of Nottingham station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Ilkeston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Ilkeston
Which London station do buses to Ilkeston leave from?
Buses from London to Ilkeston leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 2 km from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN11, N44 · 9m · £10 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · £2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · £2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · £2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · £2 · every ~26 min
London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) from London city centre
BusN113 · 22m · £2 · every ~2 min
A1, A31, A2, A6 · 25m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
757 · 28m · £4 · every ~9 min
A31, A1, A2, A6 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Uk023, Ukx010, Ukn21, Ukn10, Uk003, Uk014, Uk008, Ukn11, Uk010, Uk020, Uk004, Uk021, Uk001, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn30, Uk030, Uk005, Uk002, Ukn31 · 40m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
13 · 41m · £4 · every ~28 min
SubwayJubilee · 12m · £5 · every ~68 min
Jubilee · 12m · £5 · every ~68 min
More options for your journey from London to Ilkeston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ilkeston and London
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