- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£43
Fastest journey
57 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
72 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ipswich to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Ely will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Of the 19 trains that leave Ipswich for Ely every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 72 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 36 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.










The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Ely trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:01 Ipswich | 0h57 | 13:58 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Ipswich to Ely run on average 4 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:51, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 72 km distance in 56m.
Distance 72 km |
Average train duration 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 56m |
First train 5:51 |
Last train 22:27 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ipswich to Ely trains use the Ipswich to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Ely train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
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