Trains to Whitby Beach day trip guide

A guide to Whitby Beach by train with travel tips and ticket advice

Brenda Jude

Published: July 21, 2025

Updated: August 13, 2026

Whitby Beach, nestled on the rugged Yorkshire coast, is a perfect escape from the everyday. With its golden sands, historic harbour, and that unmistakable sense of seaside nostalgia, it’s a destination that never fails to delight.

Travelling to Whitby by train is not only a practical and wallet-friendly option but also a genuinely enjoyable way to start your beach day. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about catching the train to Whitby Beach, planning your journey, ticket tips, popular routes, and what to do once you arrive.

Why visit Whitby Beach by train?

Whitby Beach is a jewel on the North Yorkshire coast, famed for its cliffside sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues and its sweeping sandy bays bordered by charming beach huts. Travelling there by train is an excellent choice for numerous reasons. Not only does the journey provide stunning views through the Yorkshire countryside and along the coast, but it also saves you from the usual car park frustrations. With eco-friendly benefits and competitive fares, train travel is both a sustainable and budget-conscious way to reach this beautiful seaside town.

Best of all, once you arrive at Whitby station, the beach and town centre are only a short, mostly flat 13-minute walk away. This ease of access means you get more time to enjoy the sand and surf and worry less about logistics.

Planning your trip: Trains to Whitby Beach

Whitby Station is the primary rail gateway for visitors heading to Whitby Beach. Situated a 0.5-mile stroll from the shore, it’s easy to navigate your way from platform to promenade. Exiting the station, head northeast before turning left toward Station Square. From there, a short walk along New Quay Road and St Ann’s Staith leads you across the harbour and toward West Cliff Beach. The route involves a few gentle inclines, steps, and even a pedestrian tunnel, but overall remains very manageable for most travellers.

The station is managed by Northern and provides essential facilities such as a ticket office which is open Monday to Saturday, 08:30 to 16:00 with a break between 13:00 and 13:30, but closed Sundays. It also offers step-free access to all platforms and a ramp for boarding trains. However, there are no accessible toilets or waiting rooms on site. There is limited parking at the station, with 48 spaces charging up to £13.20 for a full day, so arriving by train often makes more sense for those keen to avoid parking fees and congestion.

Off-peak trains to Whitby tend to be cheaper and less crowded, with peak services running more frequently during weekday mornings and late afternoons. For the latest live departure and arrival times, check here.

Popular routes to Whitby Beach

For many visitors, reaching Whitby by train is straightforward thanks to several popular routes from key cities in the north of England.

Middlesbrough to Whitby Beach

1h 27m (Middlesbrough Station, Northern, direct)

The route from Middlesbrough to Whitby is one of the most direct and frequently serviced. With nine trains running daily, the earliest departure at 06:58 and the last at 20:47, this journey covers approximately 26 miles in about 1 hour and 27 minutes. This route is operated by Northern, and passengers enjoy comfortable direct services that treat them to views of the North York Moors and charming Yorkshire villages along the way.

Newcastle to Whitby Beach

2h 51m (Newcastle Station, Northern, direct)

Starting from Newcastle, the journey to Whitby takes roughly 2 hours and 51 minutes, with five direct trains available each day. The first train departs at 05:35, with the last service leaving at 21:46. This route spans 53 miles, offering scenic views of the North East countryside and coastline. The longer journey rewards travellers with expansive views of the North East’s rural landscape and coastline.

Sunderland to Whitby Beach

2h 30m (Sunderland Station, Northern, direct)

From Sunderland to Whitby, there are three direct trains daily, departing from 09:01 until 22:07. Covering a distance of 42 miles, the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Though fewer services operate compared to Middlesbrough, the route offers scenic coastal and moorland views. This route is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed timetable with direct connections to Whitby Beach. Travellers should expect charming views of the Yorkshire coast and countryside en route.

Saving on train tickets to Whitby Beach

Booking your train tickets to Whitby Beach smartly can save you a significant amount of money. It’s advisable to book at least 12 weeks in advance via platforms like TrainPal to secure the best deals. Railcards such as the Family Railcard, 16–25 Railcard, Two Together, and Senior Railcard offer up to 33% off standard fares, while children can often travel for just £1 on accompanying adult tickets. Group discounts are also available, making train travel ideal for families or friends visiting together.

When buying tickets, compare different fare types such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets to find the most suitable option for your schedule and budget. Additionally, using split fares, purchasing separate tickets for segments of the journey, can sometimes reduce costs further.

At Whitby Beach: Essentials & tips

Whitby Beach has excellent facilities, including toilets, lifeguarded zones in summer, and shops offering deckchairs and windbreak hire. Dog owners will appreciate that Tate Hill Beach allows dogs all year round. Nearby cafes and eateries provide delicious local fare, while visitors are advised to check tide times and weather forecasts via the Met Office before setting out. Packing essentials should include towels, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

For those interested in local history, the Whitby Museum and Captain Cook Memorial Museum are both within easy walking distance, offering insights into the region’s maritime heritage and connections to exploration. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which terminates at Whitby Station, provides scenic heritage train journeys through the national park, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

FAQs

How early should I arrive at the station before my train to Whitby?

It’s recommended to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure, especially if you need to buy or collect tickets, find your platform, or require assistance.

Can I barbecue on Whitby Beach?

Yes, barbecues and picnics are permitted on Whitby Beach throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal by the sea.

What is the best time to travel by train to Whitby Beach to avoid crowds?

To avoid crowds, travel during off-peak times, such as midweek mornings or early afternoons. Weekend trains tend to be busier, especially in summer and holidays, so booking ahead is recommended.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Beach Race?

The 2025 Weston Beach Race is set for 3rd to 5th October, a weekend when the tides are optimal. It’s one of the UK’s biggest off-road motorsport events.

How clean is Weston-super-Mare Beach?

As of April 2025, the Environment Agency rated parts of Weston’s beach as having poor water quality. Out of five Somerset beaches on the list, three are in Weston, so swimming is not currently advised in some areas.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.