- Must visit
Valentines Mansion
Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Ilford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Ilford will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Colchester to Ilford, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 9 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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Trains from Colchester to Ilford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 68 km distance in 56m.
Distance 68 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 56m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:43 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Colchester to Ilford.
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Ilford trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:56 Colchester | 1h10 | 8:06 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:26 Colchester | 1h10 | 8:36 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:54 Colchester | 1h11 | 9:05 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 8:02 Colchester | 1h18 | 9:20 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 8:30 Colchester | 1h20 | 9:50 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:00 Colchester | 1h05 | 10:05 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:06 Colchester | 1h14 | 10:20 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:30 Colchester | 1h20 | 10:50 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:00 Colchester | 1h05 | 11:05 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 11:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 11:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 11:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 12:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 12:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 12:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 13:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 13:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 13:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 14:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 14:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 14:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 15:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 15:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 15:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 16:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 16:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 16:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:06 Colchester | 1h15 | 17:21 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:20 Colchester | 0h53 | 17:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 17:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 17:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:06 Colchester | 1h15 | 18:21 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:20 Colchester | 0h53 | 18:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 18:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 18:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 19:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 19:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 19:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 20:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 20:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 20:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 21:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:30 Colchester | 1h13 | 21:43 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:52 Colchester | 0h58 | 21:50 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 21:00 Colchester | 0h58 | 21:58 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 21:06 Colchester | 1h07 | 22:13 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 21:30 Colchester | 1h20 | 22:50 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 22:00 Colchester | 1h05 | 23:05 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 22:06 Colchester | 1h14 | 23:20 Ilford | 1 change | |
![]() | 22:30 Colchester | 1h20 | 23:50 Ilford | 1 change | |
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 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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Ilford.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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 Colchester to Ilford trains use the Colchester to Ilford station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Colchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Check train stations information for Colchester and Ilford, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need