- Must visit
The British Museum
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£49
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£49
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 11 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ilkeston to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ilkeston to London will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Ilkeston to London, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 11 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ilkeston to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 33m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, while a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 181 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to London take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 7m.
The journey is about 45m faster (2h 3m by train vs 2h 48m by car) and roughly £8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£27 vs £35). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare 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.
Trains from Ilkeston to London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 181 km distance in 2h 14m.
Distance 181 km |
Average train duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 5:27 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
National collection of European painting from Van Gogh to Turner in a landmark Trafalgar Square setting.
Vast museum of art, design and performance, loved for fashion, sculpture and major temporary exhibitions.
Lively pedestrian riverside route linking major sights, street performers, markets and excellent views across the Thames.
West End square famous for lions, fountains and events, surrounded by galleries and central to many first-time visits.
Grand royal park with Serpentine lake, broad paths and easy walks to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
A classic breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple of British cafés and weekend dining across London.
Pale ale battered fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. A long-standing favourite in London pubs and chippies.
Slow-cooked beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potato. This hearty pie is closely associated with East London working-class food culture.
Luxury hotel venue renowned for formal afternoon tea with fine pastries, sandwiches and impeccable service in grand surroundings.
Refined Indian restaurant with a Michelin star, celebrated for polished cooking and a landmark role in London’s modern dining scene.
Historic dining room famed for traditional British pies, roast meats and classic puddings in elegant, old-school surroundings.
Very costly by European standards; hotels, dining and transport are notably pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks.
Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés: no obligation, small change optional.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> London Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilkeston to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ilkeston to London trains use the Ilkeston to London St Pancras International station pair, with some services arriving at London Kings Cross. Use this guide to compare Ilkeston and London 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.
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
London Kings Cross has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:00 - 01:36, Sat: 05:00 - 00:36, Sun: 05:30 - 01:36. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is located by the entrance of Platform 9 provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Kings Cross: There is step-free access in the whole station to all platforms. There are elevators between the concourse and Mezzanine and London Underground ticket hall.
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
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