Trains to Ipswich
Take the train to Ipswich and experience the very best this fascinating town has to offer. Whilst you’re there, take in the extraordinary Tudor-style architecture and enjoy a vast selection of quality restaurants, public parks and entertainment on offer.
Ipswich is easily accessible by train from many popular cities around the country – you can travel from London to Ipswich in 1h 17m, Norwich to Ipswich in 41m and Colchester to Ipswich in 22m. Use our Journey Planner above to start your search for train times and tickets – we’ll always highlight the cheapest tickets to Ipswich so you can save on your trip.
Popular train journeys to Ipswich
It’s easy to get to Ipswich by train from all over the UK, with direct routes from some of the country’s biggest cities, including London, Peterborough and Cambridge. Most trains to Ipswich are operated by Greater Anglia and arrive into Ipswich railway station, located in the city centre.
Planning your next trip to Ipswich? Have a look at our table below – we’ve highlighted some of the most popular routes – or start your search in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Ipswich | 55m | Greater Anglia |
| Peterborough to Ipswich | 1h 38m | Greater Anglia |
| Cambridge to Ipswich | 1h 14m | Greater Anglia |
| Norwich to Ipswich | 33m | Greater Anglia |
| Reading to Ipswich | 3h 31m | Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Greater Anglia |
| Felixstowe to Ipswich | 25m | Greater Anglia |
| Colchester to Ipswich | 21m | Greater Anglia |
| Chelmsford to Ipswich | 40m | Greater Anglia |
How to find the cheapest train tickets to Ipswich
There are a number of ways you can find cheap train tickets to Ipswich to help you save money and explore the city. Our easy-to-use Journey Planner can help you find the cheapest tickets on the days you want to travel.
The first way you can get cheaper train tickets to Ipswich is by using a National Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do. Railcards cater to different age ranges and circumstances so, from the Senior Railcard to the Family & Friends Railcard and the newly-introduced 26-30 Railcard (Millennial Railcard), you'll be sure to find your match. To see the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and how to buy one online, check out our Railcards page.
Another way to save money on train tickets to Ipswich is by purchasing an Advance train ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the cheaper these tickets will be. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so look out for the ‘Advance ticket’ type when your search for tickets using our Journey Planner.
You can also save money by ‘splitting’ your tickets – use our SplitSave app feature and we’ll find the cheapest combination of fares for you, where possible. Look out for the blue and white SplitSave icon when you search for tickets to Ipswich on our app. Curious? Discover how split ticketing works on our SplitSave page.
Want more tips on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our Cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some railcard types.
Visiting Ipswich
Ipswich is filled to bursting point with cultural attractions, historical landmarks and stylish eateries offering world-class cuisine, all of which are within walking distance of the train station. From the station, head up Princes Street towards the charming Arras Square, a traffic-free area packed with shops and only a stone’s throw away from St. Mary-le-Tower, a medieval church founded in the 13th century. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes and along the way, you’ll pass the Ipswich Town Football Club stadium, as well as the River Orwell. No visit to Ipswich would be complete without a stop at the spectacular Willis Building. Don’t miss the spectacular roof garden, especially on a summer’s day when you can grab a bite to eat in the sun.
Once you’re in the square, take the time to explore the myriad of shops and cafés, or catch a show at the nearby theatre. History buffs should definitely check out the Ancient House on Buttermarket, a Tudor mansion complete with elaborate wood carvings and pargeting depicting a Tudor view of the world. Head east to Upper Brook St, then continue onto Northgate St until you reach St Margaret’s street, where you can turn left into Sloane St. This will take about 5 minutes and from here you can get to the Christchurch Mansion, another Tudor building well worth visiting for its stunning interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Ipswich?
The main train station in Ipswich is Ipswich railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Ipswich railway station.
Which train companies run trains to Ipswich?
The primary operator of trains to Ipswich is Greater Anglia.
How do I find cheap tickets to Ipswich?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Ipswich. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Ipswich running?
There are frequent daily services to Ipswich, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Ipswich.