- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Retford to Ilkeston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Retford to Ilkeston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £15.
Distance: 46 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £10 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m 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 Retford to Ilkeston is a train with an average price of £15.
The fastest way to travel from Retford to Ilkeston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 22m.
Yes, you can take a between Retford and Ilkeston.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £15 compared to roughly £10 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-5.14. The journey takes 1h 22m versus 1h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Why should you book Retford to Ilkeston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Retford to Ilkeston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Retford to Ilkeston.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Retford to Ilkeston.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Trip, 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 Retford to Ilkeston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Retford to Ilkeston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Retford to Ilkeston run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 21:01. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 1h 8m.
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 46 km |
Average train duration 1h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 1h 8m |
First train 5:56 |
Last train 21:01 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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: Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway from Retford to Ilkeston trainsNorthern Rail, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Retford and Ilkeston from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
1h 21m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£11
Northern Rail frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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
1h 8m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£17
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 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
Complete guide to Ilkeston
Things to do in Ilkeston
Discover the best of Ilkeston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilkeston trip today.
- Recommended
Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre
Nearby community museum on the former Bennerley School site, presenting local education and everyday history with volunteer-led exhibits.
Canal Street Gallery
Independent arts venue with exhibitions, performances, and workshops. A useful stop for contemporary local creativity near the town centre.
- Must visit
Shipley Country Park
Large country park on Ilkeston's edge with woodland, lakes, and marked trails. Ideal for longer walks and a mix of nature and heritage.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
The town's principal park with formal gardens, play areas, and event spaces. A pleasant base for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Nutbrook Trail
Linear waterside route popular for walking and cycling, offering a quieter side of Ilkeston and links to surrounding countryside.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Cob
A soft white bread roll from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, often filled with bacon, cheese or cobs-and-beer staples. It is a strong local identity marker.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Curd Tart
A traditional Derbyshire pudding made with dried fruit, spice and suet, usually served sliced with custard. It is a classic county comfort dessert.
- Vegetarian
Curd Tart
A baked tart of curd cheese, eggs, sugar and currants linked with Derbyshire baking traditions. It is a well-known regional teatime treat.
Anila Indian Restaurant
Popular Ilkeston Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a relaxed, established setting.
L’Oliva
Established Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains, suited to relaxed meals with family or friends.
The Burnt Pig
Well-known local pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a traditional, casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotels nearby can raise overall trip costs compared with cheaper Midlands towns.
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 appreciated if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Cafes and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is welcome.
FAQs: Retford to Ilkeston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford to Ilkeston 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 Ilkeston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Retford to Ilkeston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £15.
The train journey from Retford to Ilkeston covers a distance of 46 km and takes approximately 1h 8m. Trains run 16 per day.
The train distance from Retford to Ilkeston is 46 km.
The first train from Retford to Ilkeston leaves at 5:56.
The last train from Retford to Ilkeston departs at 21:01.
Trains from Retford to Ilkeston run approximately 16 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Retford to Ilkeston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Retford to Ilkeston.
There is no night train service from Retford to Ilkeston.
The train station in Retford that goes to Ilkeston is Retford station (RET), and it arrives at Ilkeston station (ILN).
The cheapest way to get from Retford to Ilkeston is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Retford to Ilkeston in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Retford to Ilkeston offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, green fields, and charming villages, although it is not typically regarded as one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
Yes, you can take the train from Retford to Ilkeston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Retford and Ilkeston
Most Retford to Ilkeston trains use the Retford to Ilkeston station pair. Use this guide to compare Retford and Ilkeston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Retford
Arrival train stations in Ilkeston
Which Retford station do trains to Ilkeston leave from?
Trains from Retford to Ilkeston leave from Retford. The station is 1 km from Retford city centre at Retford station, Station Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7DE.
RetfordRetford station, Station Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7DE
City-centre transport
Getting to Retford from Retford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail Replacement Coaches leave from the front of the station.
Retford train station facilities and services
Retford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Retford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Retford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Retford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Retford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Retford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Advance booking is advisable, 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 Ilkeston station do trains from Retford arrive at?
Trains from Retford to Ilkeston arrive at Ilkeston. Ilkeston is 1 km from Ilkeston city centre.
IlkestonIlkeston station, Station Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 5TE
City-centre transport
Getting to Ilkeston from Ilkeston city centre
Ilkeston is 1 km from Ilkeston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus27 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Ilkeston train station facilities and services
Ilkeston has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ilkeston.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ilkeston: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Ilkeston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Retford
More options for your journey from Retford to Ilkeston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ilkeston and Retford
Most popular train connections to Ilkeston
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