- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£7
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
181 km
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 £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Of the 1 buses that leave London for Ilkeston every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 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 coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £41.
Distance: 181 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for London to Ilkeston coaches for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 15:30 London | 3h15 | 18:45 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 9 August | |||||
![]() | 7:30 London | 3h00 | 10:30 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from London to Ilkeston run on average 40 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 30 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 45m.
Distance 181 km |
Average bus duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Buses per day 40 |
Direct buses 30 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
Nearby community museum on the former Bennerley School site, presenting local education and everyday history with volunteer-led exhibits.
Independent arts venue with exhibitions, performances, and workshops. A useful stop for contemporary local creativity near the town centre.
Large country park on Ilkeston's edge with woodland, lakes, and marked trails. Ideal for longer walks and a mix of nature and heritage.
The town's principal park with formal gardens, play areas, and event spaces. A pleasant base for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
Linear waterside route popular for walking and cycling, offering a quieter side of Ilkeston and links to surrounding countryside.
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.
A traditional Derbyshire pudding made with dried fruit, spice and suet, usually served sliced with custard. It is a classic county comfort dessert.
A baked tart of curd cheese, eggs, sugar and currants linked with Derbyshire baking traditions. It is a well-known regional teatime treat.
Popular Ilkeston Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a relaxed, established setting.
Established Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains, suited to relaxed meals with family or friends.
Well-known local pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a traditional, casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotels nearby can raise overall trip costs compared with cheaper Midlands towns.
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.
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.

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.
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, 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