- Must visit
Valentines Mansion
Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Reading to Ilford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Ilford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 73 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Ilford is a train with an average price of £42.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Ilford is by coach with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Other travel options to Ilford take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 21m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Ilford.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (1h 21m by train vs 1h 31m by car). Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £15 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 Reading to Ilford by train
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.
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Why should you book Reading to Ilford trains with Omio?
Elizabeth line as well as Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Reading to Ilford.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Elizabeth line tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Elizabeth line?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Elizabeth line, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL) or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Ilford.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Ilford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Ilford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 56m.
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 73 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 56m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:47 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 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: Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Ilford trainsElizabeth line, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Ilford from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£34
Great Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
1h 14m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£47
Elizabeth line frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth Line (TfL) Duration
1h 25m
Cheapest Elizabeth Line (TfL) Price
£29
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
10 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
56m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£45
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
40 a day
Complete guide to Ilford
Things to do in Ilford
Discover the best of Ilford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilford trip today.
- Recommended
Redbridge Museum
Local museum and gallery with changing displays on Redbridge people, places and culture, set within the Central Library complex.
SPACE Ilford
Community gallery space presenting contemporary exhibitions and creative projects, useful for a quick look at local artistic activity.
- Must visit
Valentines Park
Formal gardens, lakes and open lawns around a historic mansion, ideal for strolling, seasonal colour and a relaxed break in Ilford.
- Recommended
High Road
Busy central shopping street and civic area that captures everyday Ilford, with markets, transport links and varied local businesses.
- Recommended
Hainault Forest Country Park
Woodland and open parkland on Ilford's northern edge, popular for longer walks, wildlife and a quieter side of the borough.
Pie and Mash
A classic East End pie filled with minced beef, often served with mash and parsley liquor. A long-standing London comfort food popular across east London.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eel pieces set in a savoury stock. It is one of London’s most traditional working-class dishes, closely tied to the historic East End.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Kippered Haddock
A smoked white fish fillet, usually haddock, dyed golden and eaten hot or cold. It has long been a staple breakfast and supper dish in London.
Mardin Restaurant
Long-established Turkish ocakbasi known for grilled meats, fresh breads and lively casual dining on Ilford Lane.
Punjab Restaurant
Smart Indian restaurant focused on Punjabi and north Indian dishes, with a polished dining room suited to groups and dinners.
Saravanaa Bhavan
Busy South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving dosas, idli and thali in a simple, family-friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for Greater London. Dining and hotels cost more than many UK towns, but Ilford is often cheaper than central London, with good-value transport and casual food options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 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
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
FAQs: Reading to Ilford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Ilford 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 Ilford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Ilford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Reading to Ilford covers a distance of 73 km and takes approximately 56m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Ilford is 73 km.
The first train from Reading to Ilford leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Reading to Ilford departs at 23:47.
Trains from Reading to Ilford run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Ilford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Ilford.
To travel from Reading to Ilford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Ilford.
The train station in Reading that goes to Ilford is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Ilford station (IFD).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Ilford is by train, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Reading to Ilford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to Ilford is primarily urban, passing through suburban areas and the cityscape of London, offering limited scenic countryside views.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Ilford is feasible. The journey takes 56m and covers 73 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
A visit to Ilford typically requires 1 to 2 days to explore its local attractions, parks, and cultural landmarks.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Ilford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Ilford
Most Reading to Ilford trains use the Reading to Ilford station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Ilford
Which Reading station do trains to Ilford leave from?
Trains from Reading to Ilford leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Ilford station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Ilford arrive at Ilford. Ilford is from Ilford city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Ilford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ilford and Reading
Most popular train connections to Ilford
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