- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
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Travel Information
Compare coach for Manchester to Ilkeston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Ilkeston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £19.
Distance: 84 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Ilkeston is a coach with an average price of £15.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Ilkeston:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Ilkeston costing on average £19.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Ilkeston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 31m.
Other travel options to Ilkeston take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 30m.
Yes, you can take a between Manchester and Ilkeston.
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 £15 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 2h 30m versus 2h 7m 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Ilkeston by coach
Compare coach 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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Why should you book Manchester to Ilkeston coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Manchester to Ilkeston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Ilkeston.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Ilkeston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Ilkeston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £13 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:03. The fastest coach covers the 84 km distance in 2h 25m.
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
Train from £13
Distance 84 km |
Average bus duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:03 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £13
Bus providers: FlixBus from Manchester to IlkestonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Ilkeston with FlixBus for as low as £13. 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 25m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
3 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.
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: Manchester to Ilkeston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Ilkeston can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Ilkeston is £15; 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 Manchester to Ilkeston is 2h 25m to travel the 84 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 Manchester to Ilkeston leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Ilkeston leaves at 23:03.
There are 3 coaches a day from Manchester to Ilkeston which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Ilkeston, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Ilkeston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Ilkeston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R), located 5 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Ilkeston is January.
Yes, you can take a between Manchester and Ilkeston.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Ilkeston:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Ilkeston for coach company FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Ilkeston depends on the coach companies:
- 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 Manchester to Ilkeston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Ilkeston:
- 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 Manchester to Ilkeston:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Manchester 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 Manchester to Ilkeston with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Ilkeston with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Ilkeston with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Ilkeston
Most Manchester to Ilkeston buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ilkeston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Ilkeston
Which Manchester station do buses to Ilkeston leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Ilkeston leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Ilkeston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ilkeston and Manchester
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