- Recommended
Erewash Museum
Volunteer-run local museum covering Ilkeston's social and industrial history through objects, photographs, and changing displays.
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Why should you book Retford to Ilkeston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all 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?
- 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 Retford to Ilkeston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Retford to Ilkeston and enjoy the approximately 46 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 21:01.
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 23m |
First train 5:56 |
Last train 21:01 |
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 from Retford to Ilkeston trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Retford and Ilkeston. 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 Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£17
Northern Rail frequency
6 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
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 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.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Retford to Ilkeston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Retford and Ilkeston. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
To travel from Retford to Ilkeston, you can take a .
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).
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.
Spending 1 to 2 days in Ilkeston is generally sufficient to explore its local attractions, enjoy the town's shops and cafes, and experience the local culture.
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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