- Recommended
Museum of Croydon
Local history museum in a medieval house, covering Croydon’s people, suburbs and civic story through compact displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ilford to Croydon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 23 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 19m Average total duration Fastest 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ilford to Croydon:
A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ilford to Croydon costing on average £18.
Other travel options to Croydon take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 57m.
You'll arrive about 23m sooner (49m by train vs 1h 12m by car). Tickets start at around £18 compared to roughly £6 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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 Ilford to Croydon run on average 6 times per day, taking around 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 31m.
Distance 23 km |
Average train duration 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 31m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Croydon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Croydon trip today.
Local history museum in a medieval house, covering Croydon’s people, suburbs and civic story through compact displays.
Independent gallery and artist studios hosting contemporary exhibitions, talks and events in a converted industrial building.
Volunteer-run heritage centre in South Norwood exploring Crystal Palace, local railways and the area’s social history.
Nature reserve and former medieval hunting ground with heathland, woodland and broad views, popular for longer walks.
Large town-centre green with formal gardens, a café, playground and events, ideal for a break between central sights.
Wide open common with ponds, paths and sports areas, valued by locals for walking, birdlife and relaxed suburban scenery.
A full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple across Greater London and a classic local start to the day.
Pie filled with steak and kidney in rich gravy, baked in pastry. A traditional British pub dish long associated with London and the South East.
Battered cod or haddock with chunky chips. This enduring London favourite is a go-to takeaway and pub meal across Croydon.
Stylish restaurant and bar known for steaks, grills and cocktails in central Croydon. Smart but relaxed for lunch or dinner.
Established pub and dining room serving British favourites, Sunday roasts and cask ales in a traditional setting near South Croydon.
Popular South London market with diverse street food traders, casual seating and a lively atmosphere. Good for sampling local and international bites.
Moderate for Greater London. Hotels, dining and rail fares are often cheaper than central London, but still higher than many UK cities.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change.
Official public transport app
East Croydon -> Croydon Town Centre, Katharine Street
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilford to Croydon 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 Croydon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ilford to Croydon trains use the Ilford to East Croydon station pair. Use this guide to compare Ilford and Croydon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
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