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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.

York to Leeds by train

It takes an average of 43m to travel from York to Leeds by train, over a distance of around 22 miles (35 km). There are normally 219 trains per day travelling from York to Leeds and tickets for this journey start from £4 when you book in advance.

First train

02:35

Last train

01:55

Departure station

York

Arrival station

Leeds

Journey time

From 21m

Distance

22 miles (35 km)

Frequency

219 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £4

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway

Travelling from York to Leeds by train in just over 20 minutes

Planning a trip across Yorkshire and need more information about how to travel by train from York to Leeds? Look no further! 

On average, the journey from York to Leeds by train takes around 43 minutes, but on the fastest services, it can be as quick as just 22 minutes. With around 190 direct trains running on this popular service, you can sit back and enjoy the journey as there’s no need to make any changes along the way.  

When travelling on this route, you’ll board a train at York station, operated by either CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, or London North Eastern Railway. Whichever operator you end up travelling with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as free WiFi and comfortable seating. In just over 20 minutes, you will travel through 22 miles of idyllic Yorkshire countryside and arrive at Leeds station.  

When you leave the station, you’ll find yourself in the centre of the city. From here, you can easily reach the city’s most famous landmarks. Unsure where to begin? For inspiration, head over to our guide on the best things to do in Leeds, including Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum.  

If you’d like to purchase the cheapest train tickets, try taking the train during Off-Peak times, when tickets tend to be cheaper. Also, if you travel by train more than a few times a year, get yourself a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys.  

Keen to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from York to Leeds in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. There’s no need to wait, begin your search today! If you’d like to learn a bit more about the journey first, keep reading for our train timetable, tips on booking cheap tickets and FAQs including first and last train times.

Journey details

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

The average journey time by train between York and Leeds is 43 minutes, with around 219 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 York and Leeds by train?

The fastest journey time by train from York to Leeds is 21 minutes.

How much does the train from York to Leeds cost?

Train ticket prices from York to Leeds can start from as little as £4 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 York to Leeds?

Yes, it is possible to travel from York to Leeds without having to change trains. There are 219 direct trains from York to Leeds each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

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

The first train from York to Leeds leaves at 02:35. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from York to Leeds leaves at 01:55. 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 York and Leeds by train?

Trains travelling from York to Leeds cover a distance of around 22 miles (35 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Leeds to York.

Cheap train tickets from York to Leeds

Train tickets from York to Leeds start at £4 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 York to Leeds 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.
† 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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