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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Leeds to London by train

It takes an average of 2h 22m to travel from Leeds to London by train, over a distance of around 169 miles (272 km). There are normally 45 trains per day travelling from Leeds to London and tickets for this journey start from £22.50 when you book in advance.

First train

04:05

Last train

20:45

Departure station

Leeds

Arrival station

London

Journey time

From 1h 59m

Distance

169 miles (272 km)

Frequency

45 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £22.50

Train operators

London North Eastern Railway

Taking the train from Leeds to London

Want to find out more about travelling from Leeds to London by train? Look no further.

The train from Leeds to London usually takes around 2h 21m but can take just 1h 59m on the fastest services, with around 42 trains running on this popular route every day. Trains are direct, so once you’re on board you can sit back, relax and stay connected with free WiFi available on most services.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is the main rail operator on this route. Sit back and enjoy free WiFi and catering service offering a wide range of food and drinks on board.

Leeds to London train tickets

If you want to snap up the cheapest ticket fares from Leeds to London, book an Off-Peak time, as tickets are usually cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you’d like to save even more and frequently travel by train throughout the year, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.

Keen to book your train tickets from Leeds to London? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to learn a bit more about the journey first, you can find tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs including first and last train times below.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Leeds to London? 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 Leeds to London take?

The average journey time by train between Leeds and London is 2 hours and 22 minutes, with around 45 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 Leeds and London by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Leeds to London is 1 hour and 59 minutes.

How much does the train from Leeds to London cost?

Train ticket prices from Leeds to London can start from as little as £22.50 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 Leeds to London?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Leeds to London without having to change trains. There are 45 direct trains from Leeds to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Leeds to London leave?

The first train from Leeds to London leaves at 04:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Leeds to London leave?

The last train from Leeds to London leaves at 20:45. 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 Leeds and London by train?

Trains travelling from Leeds to London cover a distance of around 169 miles (272 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Leeds. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Leeds to London.

Cheap train tickets from Leeds to London

Train tickets from Leeds to London start at £22.50 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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 Leeds to London 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.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

Travelling from Leeds to London by train

Departing from Leeds train station

My train to London departed from Leeds station, which is located on the edge of the city centre by the River Aire. As I had already booked my eticket online, I arrived at the station ten minutes before my train was due to depart. I simply showed my eticket to the railway staff to get through the ticket gates and hopped on the train, which was already at platform 6.

Boarding the train

I boarded one of LNER’s high-speed Azuma trains and sat in a forward-facing seat next to the window I had reserved at the time of booking. The electronic signs on the seats made it very easy for me to find my seat. Also, travelling in Standard Class worked quite well for me – I had access to a fold-down table and a plug socket, and I also connected to the free onboard WiFi.

The journey

It took me a little over two hours to get from Leeds to London. The train stopped at Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Grantham and Stevenage before reaching London Kings Cross station. Once I arrived, I headed towards the Underground station entrance and hopped on the first Piccadilly Line service I found.

All in all, my journey was pretty smooth and comfortable. I highly recommend taking the train from Leeds to London – you’ll get from one city centre to another in no time, plus you won’t have to worry about traffic nor parking.

About Paola

Paola, a Trainline employee, chose to share her experience of the journey between Leeds and London.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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