Ilford to Croydon train with Thameslink

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
Thameslink
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
c2c
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
c2c
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Ilford to Croydon

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

Compare train with

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

The cheapest way to travel from Ilford to Croydon is a coach with an average price of £6.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Ilford to Croydon is by train with an average journey time of 49m.

Other travel options to Croydon take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ilford and Croydon including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

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 prices and tickets Ilford to Croydon by train or coach

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.

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 Ilford to Croydon trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Elizabeth Line (TfL) or c2c offer trains services from Ilford to Croydon.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ilford to Croydon.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth Line (TfL) or c2c to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Croydon.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ilford to Croydon.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth Line (TfL) or c2c to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Croydon.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ilford to Croydon.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ilford to Croydon

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6

Train companies: Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL), c2c from Ilford to Croydon trainsThameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL), c2c trains will get you between Ilford and Croydon from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

c2c

About
c2c is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Fenchurch Street to destinations in East London and Essex, including Southend, Basildon, and Grays. c2c offers a range of train types, including the Class 357 Electrostar, Class 312 Electrostar, and Class 315 Electrostar. These trains are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. c2c also offers a range of ticket types, including Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, toilets, and luggage storage. The most popular routes for c2c are London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, London Fenchurch Street to Basildon, and London Fenchurch Street to Grays.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average c2c Duration
31m
Cheapest c2c Price
£14
c2c frequency
44 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar/bistro service available on most trains offering snacks, drinks, and light meals
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price for high-speed trains, optional for regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, service animals free
Quiet zone

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
1h 36m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£13
Thameslink frequency
3 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

Elizabeth Line (TfL)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth Line (TfL) Duration
47m
Cheapest Elizabeth Line (TfL) Price
£17
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Croydon

Things to do in Croydon

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

  • Recommended

Museum of Croydon

Local history museum in a medieval house, covering Croydon’s people, suburbs and civic story through compact displays.

  • Recommended

Stanley Arts Gallery

Independent gallery and artist studios hosting contemporary exhibitions, talks and events in a converted industrial building.

South Norwood and Anerley Past

Volunteer-run heritage centre in South Norwood exploring Crystal Palace, local railways and the area’s social history.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for Greater London. Hotels, dining and rail fares are often cheaper than central London, but still higher than many UK cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 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
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Ilford to Croydon train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Ilford to Croydon can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Ilford to Croydon covers a distance of 23 km and takes approximately 31m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Ilford to Croydon is 23 km.
The first train from Ilford to Croydon leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Ilford to Croydon departs at 23:45.
Trains from Ilford to Croydon run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ilford to Croydon.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ilford to Croydon.
To get from Ilford to Croydon, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Ilford to Croydon.
The train station in Ilford that goes to Croydon is Ilford station (IFD), and it arrives at East Croydon (ECR).
The cheapest way to get from Ilford to Croydon is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Ilford to Croydon in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ilford to Croydon primarily travels through urban and suburban areas, offering limited scenic views compared to more rural routes.
Yes, a day trip from Ilford to Croydon is feasible as the travel time is 31m and the distance is 23 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
For a visit to Croydon, 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, shopping areas, and enjoy local dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Ilford to Croydon.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Ilford and Croydon

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.

Departure train stations in Ilford
Arrival train stations in Croydon

Which Ilford station do trains to Croydon leave from?

Trains from Ilford to Croydon leave from Ilford. The station is from Ilford city centre at Ilford station, Ilford Hill, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 2DG.
IlfordIlford station, Ilford Hill, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 2DGShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Ilford from Ilford city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement bus services will depart from: High Road, Bus Stop L, for Westbound services Ilford Hill, Bus Stop F, for Eastbound services Click here for map

Ilford 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

Food and drink options are available at Ilford.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

Most popular train connections from Ilford

More options for your journey from Ilford to Croydon

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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