Ipswich to London by train
Direct Greater Anglia trains take about 1h10 from Ipswich to London Liverpool Street, fastest 1 hour, up to three an hour on weekdays. Global Passes are valid.
- Origin
- Ipswich
- Destination
- London
- Country
- United Kingdom
Ipswich to London is a direct Greater Anglia journey of about 1 hour 10 minutes, with the fastest trains taking about 1 hour. Trains leave Ipswich station and arrive at London Liverpool Street. Greater Anglia runs every train, with up to three an hour on weekdays. Interrail and Eurail Global Passes are valid.
Trains leave from Ipswich station
Ipswich station is on Burrell Road, about a 15-minute walk from the waterfront, and buses run from the station forecourt to the town centre. It has a ticket office, step-free access to all platforms, shops and refreshments, a first class lounge and Wi-Fi. Taxis and bike storage and hire are available at the station.
Buy your ticket before you board if you can. You can use the ticket office, the machines, or the Greater Anglia website and app.
About 70 minutes, direct, with no change
All trains to London are direct. The fastest take about 1 hour, and a typical journey is about 1 hour 10 minutes. Stopping trains take longer, so compare arrival times before you choose a train, especially if you are catching a flight or Eurostar afterwards.
On weekdays up to three trains an hour leave Ipswich. Weekend timetables differ, so check your date. Wi-Fi is available on all trains.
Which ticket to buy for London
Advance singles are the cheapest fare and are valid only on the train printed on them. Miss that train and you may need a new ticket. Off-Peak tickets cost more and can be used on any train outside the busiest times, which makes them a good choice if you are booking on the day. Anytime is the most expensive and has no time limit.
Fares change by day and time, and there is no fixed price. Buying early is the best way to pay less, and booking directly with Greater Anglia carries no booking fee. A Railcard gives a percentage off many fares.
Plan the day around the return train
If you are visiting Ipswich for a day and heading back, or leaving Ipswich for a flight, work backwards from the time you must be in London. Pick a train that arrives well before it, because the Underground and the Elizabeth line take extra time to cross the city. Check your date for the last departure, since late-evening timetables and weekend services can differ from the weekday pattern.
Keep your ticket or pass travel day ready to show at the gates and to staff on board.
Using an Interrail or Eurail Global Pass
Global Passes are valid on the National Rail network in Great Britain, and that includes Greater Anglia. Use a travel day on your pass and you need no separate ticket. Greater Anglia needs no seat reservation, so a pass holder can board without one. Interrail Global Passes are for people who live in Europe, and Eurail Global Passes are for people who live outside Europe. If you live in the UK, a Global Pass covers only one outbound and one inbound journey in your own country, so you cannot use it for an ordinary trip inside Britain.
Arriving at London Liverpool Street
The train ends at Liverpool Street at Bishopsgate, in the City of London. The station has step-free access to all platforms, an Elizabeth line concourse, Underground connections to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, a taxi rank, luggage storage and bike hire.
From here the Elizabeth line and the Underground take you across London. For Eurostar, St Pancras International is on the other side of central London, so allow time to cross and do not book a tight connection.
Where to book
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Greater Anglia runs from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich, Colchester and East Anglia's coast, Broads and airports.
Official website
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
Greater Anglia runs from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich, Colchester and East Anglia's coast, Broads and airports.
Official website
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Ipswich to London?
The fastest trains take about 1 hour and a typical journey is about 1 hour 10 minutes. Stopping trains take longer.
Is there a direct train from Ipswich to London?
Yes. Greater Anglia runs direct trains from Ipswich to London Liverpool Street, and no change is needed.
Which station do I arrive at in London?
London Liverpool Street, at Bishopsgate in the City of London. It has an Elizabeth line concourse and Underground connections to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
How much is the train from Ipswich to London?
It depends on the day and time. Advance singles are cheapest but tied to one train, Off-Peak is dearer, and Anytime costs the most.
Should I book ahead for Ipswich to London?
No. Greater Anglia trains have no seat reservations, so you sit in any free seat. If you want a lower fare, buy an Advance ticket early, and remember it only works on that train.
Is Interrail or Eurail valid from Ipswich to London?
Yes. Global Passes are valid on the National Rail network in Great Britain, which includes Greater Anglia. If you live in the UK, a Global Pass covers only one outbound and one inbound journey in your own country, so it does not cover an ordinary trip inside Britain.