- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Ilkeston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Ilkeston will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
On Sat 07 Nov, we found 2 buses from Manchester to Ilkeston, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 84 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 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 48 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.

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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.
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Ilkeston.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Ilkeston coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 7 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 Manchester | 2h48 | 11:13 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:30 Manchester | 2h45 | 23:15 Ilkeston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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 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.

Most Manchester to Ilkeston buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to 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.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need