- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Compact local museum in Queen's Park covering Loughborough's industries, transport and everyday life through varied displays.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ipswich to Loughborough
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £76 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £76, while a train costs an average of £128.
Distance: 178 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£128 Average Price | £76 Average Price Cheapest | £36 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 36m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ipswich to Loughborough is a coach with an average price of £76.
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Loughborough:
A coach is £51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Loughborough costing on average £128.
The fastest way to travel from Ipswich to Loughborough is by train with an average journey time of 2h 37m.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Loughborough 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 1m sooner (2h 37m by train vs 2h 38m by car). Tickets start at around £128 compared to roughly £36 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 Ipswich to Loughborough 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.
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Why should you book Ipswich to Loughborough trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Ipswich to Loughborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich to Loughborough.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ipswich to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich to Loughborough.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ipswich to Loughborough.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ipswich to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ipswich to Loughborough run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:18, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 2h 12m.
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
Distance 178 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 4:18 |
Last train 21:41 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 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
Train companies: Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry from Ipswich to Loughborough trainsGreater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Ipswich and Loughborough from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
3h 43m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£54
Greater Anglia frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
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 East Midlands Railway Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£49
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 a day
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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£35
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Loughborough
Things to do in Loughborough
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
- Recommended
The Loughborough Museum
Heritage museum at Great Central Railway with preserved locomotives, rolling stock and exhibits on the line's operation and history.
- Recommended
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Small heritage display at the bell foundry site, interpreting bellmaking in a town long associated with this specialist craft.
- Must visit
Queen's Park
Central park with formal gardens, memorials, open lawns and river walks, making it the town's main green space for a relaxed visit.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
Waterside stretch popular for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and easy access to longer routes through the Soar valley.
Baxter Gate
Historic shopping street lined with older buildings, independent businesses and a market atmosphere near the heart of town.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned chopped pork. A classic East Midlands speciality closely tied to local food heritage.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Blue-veined cow’s milk cheese made in Leicestershire. Creamy, crumbly and tangy, it is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester
Red Leicester is a firm, nutty county cheese with a rich orange colour. It is a longstanding local staple often served in sandwiches, pies and ploughman’s lunches.
The Basin
Stylish modern restaurant known for seasonal British cooking, attentive service and a relaxed smart atmosphere in the town centre.
Fernandez Grillhouse
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a comfortable, longstanding local setting.
Peter Pizzeria
Popular town-centre venue for burgers, grilled dishes and drinks, with a lively casual feel and broad menu.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotel, dining and local travel costs are usually lower than in London, though prices can rise on university and event dates.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Mango
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >£3 contactless daily cap
To the city centre
Loughborough Railway Station -> Loughborough Town Centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local bus singles on Kinchbus are capped at £3, and contactless payment is accepted on eligible services.
- Loughborough town centre is about a 15-minute walk from Loughborough Railway Station; many local bus connections are available via Baxter Gate and nearby town-centre stops.
FAQs: Ipswich to Loughborough train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ipswich to Loughborough can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £128.
The train journey from Ipswich to Loughborough covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 2h 12m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Ipswich to Loughborough is 178 km.
The first train from Ipswich to Loughborough leaves at 4:18.
The last train from Ipswich to Loughborough departs at 21:41.
Trains from Ipswich to Loughborough run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Ipswich to Loughborough.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ipswich to Loughborough.
To get from Ipswich to Loughborough, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Ipswich to Loughborough.
The train station in Ipswich that goes to Loughborough is Ipswich station (IPS), and it arrives at Loughborough station (LBO).
The cheapest way to get from Ipswich to Loughborough is by train, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Ipswich to Loughborough in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ipswich to Loughborough passes through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, offering views of the English countryside, including fields and small towns, which some passengers might find scenic. However, it is not renowned for being one of the most scenic train routes in the UK.
A day trip from Ipswich to Loughborough is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 12m each way. However, there are 5 train trips available per day. The total distance is 178 km.
A day or two is generally sufficient to explore Loughborough, allowing time to visit key attractions such as the Great Central Railway and the Charnwood Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Ipswich to Loughborough.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ipswich and Loughborough
Most Ipswich to Loughborough trains use the Ipswich to Loughborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Loughborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ipswich
Arrival train stations in Loughborough
Which Ipswich station do trains to Loughborough leave from?
Trains from Ipswich to Loughborough leave from Ipswich. The station is 1 km from Ipswich city centre at Ipswich station, Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8AL.
IpswichIpswich station, Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8AL+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich from Ipswich city centre
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus13, 12, 23, 3, 119, 3E · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
12, 3, 13, 15, 119, 3E, 23 · 9m · £2 · every ~35 min
111 · 21m
Ipswich train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Loughborough station do trains from Ipswich arrive at?
Trains from Ipswich to Loughborough arrive at Loughborough. Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre.
LoughboroughLoughborough Railway Station, Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1EX, United Kingdom+44 345 712 5678
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough train station facilities and services
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Loughborough and Ipswich
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