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London to York by train
It takes an average of 2h 5m to travel from London to York by train, over a distance of around 174 miles (280 km). There are normally 62 trains per day travelling from London to York and tickets for this journey start from £18.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:00 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | York | |
| Journey time | From 1h 46m | |
| Distance | 174 miles (280 km) | |
| Frequency | 62 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £18.90 | |
| Train operators |
Travel from London to York by train in less than 2 hours
Want to spend some time exploring a former Viking city and need more information about the journey from London to York by train? We’ve got you covered!
On average, the journey from London to York by train takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes but can take just 1 hour and 45 minutes on the fastest services. With around 60 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you can make yourself comfortable, as you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.
If you’re travelling from London to York, you’ll board a London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Grand Central Railway or Lumo service from London Kings Cross station.
From York station, you’re a short walk from the city centre. If you’re not sure where to visit first, you can’t go wrong with a trip to York Minster, a gothic cathedral that towers above the city. If you want to soak in the city’s fascinating history, there’s no better place to do so than a walk around the City Walls – they encircle the entire city and offer spectacular views.
Want to take advantage of the best train deals? Try travelling Off-Peak, as tickets are generally cheaper during Off-Peak times. If you travel by train a few times a year, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Feeling ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to York in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, check out:
- Train operators from London to York
- LNER train classes
- Grand Central train classes
- Lumo train classes
- Onboard services from London to York
- How to get to London King’s Cross station
- Everything you need to know about London King’s Cross station
- Arriving at York station from London
- Using public transport in York
- Things to see and do in York
- Where to travel next after York
- Review: Travelling from London to York with LNER.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London to York? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to York take?
The average journey time by train between London and York is 2 hours and 5 minutes, with around 62 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and York by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to York is 1 hour and 46 minutes.
How much does the train from London to York cost?
Train ticket prices from London to York can start from as little as £18.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to York?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to York without having to change trains. There are 62 direct trains from London to York each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to York leave?
The first train from London to York leaves at 05:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to York leave?
The last train from London to York leaves at 23:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and York by train?
Trains travelling from London to York cover a distance of around 174 miles (280 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from York to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to York.
Cheap train tickets from London to York
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to York is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Train operators from London to York
You can travel from London to York on LNER, Grand Central and Lumo trains. When you search for times and tickets, you might find some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Operating trains on the East Coast mainline since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) covers journeys from London King's Cross to popular destinations such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Recently, LNER introduced a new fleet of state-of-the-art Azuma trains on their major routes, which use technology from the Japanese bullet train to travel faster, quieter and more reliably than ever before.
Grand Central Railway
Grand Central Railway operates services from Sunderland or Bradford Interchange and reaches some truly unique English towns such as Hartlepool, York, Halifax, Pontefract and Doncaster. Grand Central Railway also takes you to the heart of London via King’s Cross station, where you can connect to trains to other locations in the South and beyond.
Lumo
Launched in 2021, Lumo is a train company that runs between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. Lumo provides low-cost, fully digital, 100% electric travel across iconic cities on the route from Edinburgh to London and vice versa.
Offering low fares to people travelling between Scotland and London, Lumo aims to help people switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.
LNER train classes from London to York
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.
Standard Class
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
First Class
In LNER’S First Class, you’ll get access to a few extra perks before, during and after your trip, as well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class.
| Complimentary food and drinks | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Plenty of legroom | ✔ |
| Larger tables | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
| Plug sockets and USB outlets at seats | ✔ |
| Ambient lighting | ✔ |
| LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
Grand Central train classes from London to York
On Grand Central trains, you can choose between Standard Class and First Class.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from an at-seat catering service, luggage storage and free WiFi on most services.
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi on most services | ✔ |
| Bike storage | ✔ |
| At-seat catering service | ✔ |
First Class
In Grand Central’s First Class, you’ll enjoy the amenities of Standard Class, plus extra amenities including complimentary snacks and drinks.
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Extra legroom | ✔ |
| Complimentary food and drink | ✔ |
Lumo train classes from London to York
Lumo trains come with Standard Class only, but the service offers plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.
Standard Class
When travelling in Lumo’s Standard Class, you can take advantage of the free WiFi and order food through the LumoEats service from the comfort of your seat.
| Comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| LumoEats at-seat catering | ✔ |
Onboard services from London to York
Learn more about the services offered on board trains from London to York.
Luggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Travel with children
Bikes
Pets
Special assistance
How to get to London King’s Cross station
When travelling from London to York, your train will depart from King’s Cross station. Not sure how to get there? Read on for more information on how to navigate the city’s public transport to your train.
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the centre of the capital and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink), Circle (yellow), Metropolitan (purple), Northern (black), Piccadilly (dark) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.
If you’re driving to London King’s Cross station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at nearby London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7.
If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London King’s Cross station
While you're waiting for your train, there are plenty of things to do at London King's Cross station.
London King’s Cross station is perhaps best known as a famous station for witches and wizards – but everyone can travel from here! There are many facilities available at the station, including:
Food and drink outlets such as Costa, Pret A Manger and Starbucks
- Shops such as WHSmith, M&S and Pandora
- Toilets (including accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and a Changing Places toilet)
- ATMs
- Family lounge, with a play area for families with young children
- Left luggage facilities
- Showers (fees apply)
- Lifts and escalators for step-free access
- Audio induction loops
- Wheelchairs (for use at the station)
- Free WiFi.
Arriving at York station from London
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll arrive at York train station, just west of the city centre.
As soon as you’ve hopped off the train, you’ll want to start soaking up York’s history as soon as possible.
Once you’ve left the platform, you simply need to scan your ticket at the barriers and you’re free to start exploring. All areas of York are easily accessible due to the city’s public transport system:
- Walk: York is a fairly small city, so it’s easy to explore on foot – York Minster is about a 15-minute walk from York station.
- Bus: Local buses leave from the Rail Station stop, which is directly outside the station, to all areas of the city.
- Taxi: The closest taxi rank is directly outside the station.
Using public transport in York
Want to find out more about how to navigate York’s public transport system? We’ve got you covered!
York is a relatively small city, so everywhere is easy to reach on foot. Plus, you’ll pass some historic spots as you walk. However, if you want to reach somewhere quickly, York boasts a useful public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the bus in York
After walking, the bus is the best way to get around the city. York has multiple bus companies that operate in the heart of the city, but the most prominent is First Bus. Although most companies use the same bus stops, the bus numbers vary, and each company has its own ticket. Using the bus network, you can get from York city centre to different areas of the city including Bootham, Heworth and Holgate.
Park & Ride in York
Although primarily for people who are driving to York, you can use the Park & Ride to get around York and out to the suburbs. From different stops around the city centre including Clifford Street and the Theatre Royal, you can reach various areas of York, such as Monks Cross, Rawcliffe and Fulford.
Top five things to do in York
If you’re planning a trip to York, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do during your stay:
1. York Castle
Right in the heart of the town centre, York Castle stands as a historic testament to the longevity of this great city. The castle keep, known locally as Clifford’s Tower, stands atop a dizzyingly steep earthen embankment that the kids will love climbing.
2. The Shambles
Make sure you don’t miss the quaint Shambles, a cobbled lane with myriad timber-framed buildings, some of which date from the 14th century. Once known as The Great Flesh Shambles because of its role as a butchers’ street, it’s now the perfect place to shop for a souvenir or some tasty homemade fudge.
3. National Railway Museum
Adjacent to the station, the National Railway Museum is another family-pleaser. We might be biased, but York is the perfect place to come and learn about a mode of transport that truly transformed the world.
4. York Minster
Towering above the historic city below, York Minster is a huge Gothic cathedral and one of the largest in Europe. York Minster is a magnet for tourists, and it’s easy to see why with its elaborate stained-glass windows dating back hundreds of years and its cavernous main hall.
5. The Chocolate Story
Combining a museum, virtual chocolate factory, chocolate-making demonstrations and of course, the all-important tasting, the Chocolate Story is an attraction that’s guaranteed to be a hit with visitors of all ages.
For more information, check out our top things to do in York.
Where to travel next after York
If you enjoyed your time in York and want to explore more of the UK, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from York:
