Bedford to Ilford train with Thameslink

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Ilford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£35

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£37

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

1 h 29 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

1 h 47 m

Trains on 18 Sept

2

Distance

74 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Ilford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bedford to Ilford will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Bedford to Ilford, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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.

  • East Midlands Railway
    15:411h29
    Bedford
    17:10Ilford
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    5:162h04
    Bedford
    7:20Ilford
    £381One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Bedford to Ilford train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Ilford trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Thameslink5:16 Bedford
2h04
7:20 Ilford0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Ilford by train

Compare 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Bedford to Ilford trains with Omio?

Thameslink operates all trains services from Bedford to Ilford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Ilford.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • 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: Train from Bedford to Ilford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Take a train from Bedford to Ilford and enjoy the approximately 74 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51.

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
74 km
Average train duration
1h 26m
Trains per day
6
First train
0:02
Last train
23:51
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
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

Train companies: Thameslink from Bedford to Ilford trainsThameslink trains will get you between Bedford and Ilford. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 4m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£38
Thameslink frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area

Complete guide to Ilford

Things to do in Ilford

Discover the best of Ilford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilford trip today.

  • Must visit

Valentines Mansion

Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.

  • Recommended

Redbridge Museum

Local museum and gallery with changing displays on Redbridge people, places and culture, set within the Central Library complex.

SPACE Ilford

Community gallery space presenting contemporary exhibitions and creative projects, useful for a quick look at local artistic activity.

Pound sterling (£)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bedford to Ilford train

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.

FAQs
The train distance from Bedford to Ilford is 74 km.
The first train from Bedford to Ilford leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Bedford to Ilford departs at 23:51.
Trains from Bedford to Ilford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Ilford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Ilford.
To travel from Bedford to Ilford, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Bedford to Ilford.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Ilford is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Ilford station (IFD).
Booking trains from Bedford to Ilford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
A visit to Ilford typically requires 1 to 2 days to explore its local attractions, parks, and cultural landmarks.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Ilford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Ilford

Most Bedford to Ilford trains use the Bedford to Ilford station pair. 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.

Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Ilford

Which Bedford station do trains to Ilford leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Ilford leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DSWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking

Bedford 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

Food and drink options are available at Bedford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bedford.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Bedford to Ilford

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