- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major historic dockyard museum with warships, galleries and dock buildings. One of the area's key heritage attractions.
Take a train from Ilkeston to Gillingham and enjoy the approximately 225 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Distance 225 km |
Average train duration 4h 23m |
Trains per day 5 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major historic dockyard museum with warships, galleries and dock buildings. One of the area's key heritage attractions.
Art and history museum in nearby Rochester with changing displays, local collections and works by Dickens-era artists.
Compact local museum exploring the history of the Royal Engineers through objects, medals, maps and military stories.
Large hilltop park with open lawns, military history and sweeping views over Chatham and the Medway towns.
Waterside marina quarter with promenades, modern architecture and river views. Popular for a relaxed walk near the docks.
Riverside country park with broad estuary views, birdlife and paths through former military land and open grassland.
Kentish huffkins are soft round bread rolls from Kent, traditionally eaten with cheese, ham or jam and long associated with local baking.
Canterbury tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or lemon curd and almonds, linked with historic baking traditions in the county.
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent school pudding with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar, loved locally for its rich, caramel flavour.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and a lively yet relaxed setting.
Established Nepalese and Indian venue serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly sit-down dining in central Gillingham.
Modern Indian restaurant with a broad menu of regional favourites, suited to casual dinners and group meals.
Moderate for south-east England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still relatively costly for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilkeston to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ilkeston to Gillingham trains use the Ilkeston to Gillingham (Dorset) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ilkeston and Gillingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ilkeston is 1 km from Ilkeston city centre. Public transport options include:
Ilkeston has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilkeston.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23.
Available at Ilkeston: Parking.
Available at Ilkeston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilkeston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No.
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need