Trains to Yorkshire

London to Yorkshire by train

Depending on where you’re visiting in Yorkshire, the train from London takes between 1h 50m if you’re travelling to Leeds or York, 2h 30m if you’re travelling to Hull, and 2h 44m if you’re going to Harrogate. For smaller stations in Yorkshire, you will most likely have to change at one of the county’s larger railway stations first.

All trains from London to Yorkshire travel along the East Coast Main Line. This 393-mile stretch of railway line heads through Doncaster and York on its way to Edinburgh, with branch lines forking off into East Riding (for Hull) and West Yorkshire (for Leeds and Bradford).

The main operator of train services to Yorkshire is London North Eastern Railway, or LNER for short. All LNER services depart from Kings Cross station, and LNER’s staff will be on hand at the platforms to help you find your train. You may even find yourself on a high-speed Class 800 Azuma train. Built with bullet-train engineering for quieter journeys, an on-board catering service and plush First Class carriages, Azuma trains are a lovely way to travel to Yorkshire. LNER also run Intercity 225 trains to Yorkshire – they’re not quite as pretty as Azumas, but just as comfortable.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) also run trains from London to Sheffield, with a handful of those services continuing onwards to Leeds, Doncaster and York. EMR trains depart from St Pancras International. Use our Journey Planner to see all the available routes to Yorkshire, train times, and prices.

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Travel through time on a train journey to Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s key landmarks provide an extensive map of its history, from Roman villas to Medieval cathedrals and castles such as Castle Howard and the world famous York Minster. Visit Bolton Abbey near Skipton in North Yorkshire where you can immerse yourself in a bygone era or discover what the future might have in store at Rotherham’s Magna Science Adventure Centre, where a disused steel mill now holds the key to an intriguing voyage of scientific discovery.

From the cosmopolitan northern capitals of Leeds and Sheffield to the stunning landscapes surrounding picturesque Harrogate, key train stations in Yorkshire include Huddersfield, Doncaster, and Bradford, and the northern rail network remains exceptionally well-connected and dependable. Travel by train from Leeds to Sheffield in under 1h, Scarborough to Harrogate via York in under 2h, or Bradford to Pontefract via Leeds in around 1h 10min.

Yorkshire’s favourite destinations

York

One of the most recognisable and well-connected cities in Yorkshire, the walled city of York is popular for days out or even a weekend break. Kids and adults alike will love the vintage trains at the National Railway Museum and learning about how chocolate is made at York’s Chocolate Story museum. York Minster and the city’s fortified castle are also popular attractions.

Whitby

A well-loved seaside town in Yorkshire, Whitby has been pleasing families for generations. Head to atmospheric Saltwick Bay, a popular destination for fossil hunting, or climb the iconic 199 steps to St Mary’s Church for the prettiest views of this charming North Yorkshire retreat. Whitby is also home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with steam trains running to Pickering through 24 miles of stunning countryside. Discover more about the line here as we explore locomotive 5428 - Eric Treacy in 3D at Goathland station. 

Doncaster

This South Yorkshire town is famous for its racecourse, home of the iconic St Leger Stakes which take place there every September. Be sure to check the Doncaster Dome which features a state-of-the-art gym, a split-level ice rink, and seven pool water complex. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the top attraction for an awe-inspiring family day out, while the Yorkshire Designer Outlet will cater for all your shopping needs.

Planning to visit more cities in South Yorkshire by train? Check out our dedicated page to South Yorkshire trains.

Sheffield

The Steel City’s legacy extends well beyond the manufacture of cutlery and stainless steel. A leafy student city, Sheffield has a flourishing arts, cultural, music, and food scene. Head to Ecclesall Road to browse the independent design boutiques or enjoy a meal in one of the strip’s many fashionable eateries. From the woodlands of Graves Park to the wild, rugged beauty of Stanage Edge, there are many natural attractions nearby.

Castleford

A town bordering Leeds, Wakefield, and Pontefract, Castleford is a popular destination for a family excursion. Learn to ski at Snozone where the indoor slopes are covered with real snow. Thrill seekers will love the rides at Diggerland, while those seeking a more peaceful day out should head to the Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve, home to an estimated 280 bird species.

Yorkshire train stations

Around 20 percent of the 2,563 railway stations covering Great Britain is located in the north of the country, including in the extensive county of Yorkshire. The busiest in Yorkshire include Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, York, and Middlesbrough. A train to Yorkshire can also transport you to some of the UK's quaintest and quietest stations including Hensall, Rawcliffe and Wressle.

 

Frequently asked questions

How can I get cheap train tickets to Yorkshire?

It's easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Yorkshire. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. 

Are trains running to Yorkshire?

Trains run frequently almost every day to Yorkshire, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Yorkshire.

How long does it take to get to Yorkshire by train?

You can view train timetables and travel times to Yorkshire in our Journey Planner. Yorkshire is well connected to major cities around the UK by train, just enter your departure station and travel date into our Journey Planner to see how long it takes.

Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Yorkshire?

Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Yorkshire, these include:

• Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
• 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
• 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
• 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
• Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
• Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
• Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)

Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.