- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ilford to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£42
Fastest journey
1 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h
Trains per day
6
Distance
146 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ilford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ilford to Leicester will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Fast trains
To travel from Ilford to Leicester you need to make at least 2 changes.
C21553+
C38476+
C104338:132h03Ilford station (IFD)10:16Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes- C21563+C37366+W456538:362h00Ilford station (IFD)10:36Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21564+C37376+C227889:061h59Ilford station (IFD)11:05Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21565+W45708+C373859:362h00Ilford station (IFD)11:36Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- W70864+C38554+C220929:132h03Ilford station (IFD)11:16Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21564+C37376+C227889:061h59Ilford station (IFD)11:05Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- W70957+C18347+C373578:061h59Ilford station (IFD)10:05Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21563+C37366+W456538:362h00Ilford station (IFD)10:36Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21565+W45708+C373859:362h00Ilford station (IFD)11:36Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
- C21553+C38476+C104338:132h03Ilford station (IFD)10:16Leicester station (LEI)£421One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Ilford to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Ilford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 146 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Ilford to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Ilford to Leicester trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:15 Ilford | 2h02 | 11:17 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
| W70957+C37357+C18347 | 8:06 Ilford station (IFD) | 1h59 | 10:05 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| C21553+C10433+C38476 | 8:13 Ilford station (IFD) | 2h03 | 10:16 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
| C21563+W45653+C37366 | 8:36 Ilford station (IFD) | 2h00 | 10:36 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ilford to Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
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Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Why should you book Ilford to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) offer trains services from Ilford to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ilford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Leicester.
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ilford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Elizabeth Line (TfL) to find the best option for your trip from Ilford to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Ilford to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ilford to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ilford to Leicester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 146 km distance in 1h 59m.
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 £7
Distance 146 km |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 4:37 |
Last train 22:43 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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 £7
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) from Ilford to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) trains will get you between Ilford and Leicester from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
£25
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
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 Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
£36
Thameslink frequency
2 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 Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Price
£54
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
50 a day
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
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
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
Leicester Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless tap-on and tap-off with fare capping is being introduced across Leicester buses; check the operator or Leicester Buses site for current rollout details.
- Leicester Buses Flexi tickets are valid across participating operators in the Flexi area and can be bought in participating operators’ ticketing apps.
FAQs: Ilford to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilford to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ilford to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Ilford to Leicester covers a distance of 146 km and takes approximately 1h 59m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Ilford to Leicester is 146 km.
The first train from Ilford to Leicester leaves at 4:37.
The last train from Ilford to Leicester departs at 22:43.
Trains from Ilford to Leicester run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Ilford to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ilford to Leicester.
To get from Ilford to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Ilford to Leicester.
The train station in Ilford that goes to Leicester is Ilford station (IFD), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Ilford to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £7.
Booking trains from Ilford to Leicester 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 Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Travellers can enjoy views of the English countryside, with fields and small towns, particularly after leaving the London area. While not the most scenic route in the UK, it still provides pleasant sights along the way.
A day trip from Ilford to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 59m. However, there are 3 trains per day covering the distance of 146 km.
Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Ilford to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ilford and Leicester
Most Ilford to Leicester trains use the Ilford to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Ilford and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Ilford station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Ilford to Leicester 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 2DG
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.
Seven KingsSeven Kings station, High Road, Seven Kings, Greater London, IG3 8RE
City-centre transport
Getting to Seven Kings from Ilford city centre
Seven Kings is 1 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainElizabeth, Heathrow Terminal 5 - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Gidea Park, Heathrow Terminal 4 - Shenfield, Hayes & Harlington - Shenfield · 3m · £0.90 · every ~21 min
Bus86, N86 · 7m · £4 · every ~32 min
Seven Kings train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Seven Kings.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Seven Kings.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Seven Kings: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Seven Kings: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
GoodmayesGoodmayes station, Goodmayes Road, Goodmayes, Greater London, IG3 9UH
City-centre transport
Getting to Goodmayes from Ilford city centre
Goodmayes is 2 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainElizabeth, Heathrow Terminal 5 - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Shenfield, London Liverpool Street - Gidea Park, Heathrow Terminal 4 - Shenfield, Hayes & Harlington - Shenfield · 5m · £2 · every ~21 min
Bus86, N86 · 8m · £4 · every ~32 min
86, N86 · 9m · £4 · every ~32 min
364 · 19m · £17 · every ~23 min
364 · 21m · £18 · every ~23 min
Goodmayes train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Goodmayes.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Goodmayes.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goodmayes: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goodmayes: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Ilford arrive at?
Trains from Ilford to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Ilford
More options for your journey from Ilford to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Ilford
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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