- Must visit
Valentines Mansion
Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Ilford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £35, and a coach costs an average of £42.
Distance: 74 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£38 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price |
1h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare train and 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.
Trains from Bedford to Ilford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 29m.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Ilford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilford trip today.
Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.
Local museum and gallery with changing displays on Redbridge people, places and culture, set within the Central Library complex.
Community gallery space presenting contemporary exhibitions and creative projects, useful for a quick look at local artistic activity.
Formal gardens, lakes and open lawns around a historic mansion, ideal for strolling, seasonal colour and a relaxed break in Ilford.
Busy central shopping street and civic area that captures everyday Ilford, with markets, transport links and varied local businesses.
Woodland and open parkland on Ilford's northern edge, popular for longer walks, wildlife and a quieter side of the borough.
A classic East End pie filled with minced beef, often served with mash and parsley liquor. A long-standing London comfort food popular across east London.
Jellied eel pieces set in a savoury stock. It is one of London’s most traditional working-class dishes, closely tied to the historic East End.
A smoked white fish fillet, usually haddock, dyed golden and eaten hot or cold. It has long been a staple breakfast and supper dish in London.
Long-established Turkish ocakbasi known for grilled meats, fresh breads and lively casual dining on Ilford Lane.
Smart Indian restaurant focused on Punjabi and north Indian dishes, with a polished dining room suited to groups and dinners.
Busy South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving dosas, idli and thali in a simple, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for Greater London. Dining and hotels cost more than many UK towns, but Ilford is often cheaper than central London, with good-value transport and casual food options.
Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Ilford by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ilford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bedford to Ilford trains use the Bedford to Ilford station pair, with some services arriving at Goodmayes. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Ilford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilford.
Ticket office support is available at Ilford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility Category C. This station does not have step-free access. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located At the York Mews station entrance At the Ilford Hill temporary station entrance At the Ilford south station entrance, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Goodmayes is 2 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
Goodmayes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Goodmayes.
Wi-Fi is available at Goodmayes.
Ticket office support is available at Goodmayes. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Goodmayes: Parking, WC.
Available at Goodmayes: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goodmayes: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category B. This station has step-free access to all platforms except platform 1. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Seven Kings is 1 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
Seven Kings has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Seven Kings.
Wi-Fi is available at Seven Kings.
Ticket office support is available at Seven Kings. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Seven Kings: Parking.
Available at Seven Kings: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seven Kings: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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