Leeds to York Trains From £2.30*

You can travel from Leeds to York in around 23 minutes with TransPennine Express. The two cities are close to each other, and the train will take you across the border between West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. As you head out of the centre and then the suburbs of Leeds, you'll pass into wide open countryside, travelling at high speed on your way towards picturesque York.

TransPennine Express offers a range of services across the central spine of England's north, so they're ideally placed for fast travel on a Leeds to York train. They operate three routes - Manchester to Sheffield and Cleethorpes, Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast, the North East and on to Edinburgh, and Liverpool up the West Coast to Glasgow.

Departing from Leeds

To catch the Leeds to York train, you'll first need to head to Leeds Station. It's one of the busiest stations in the country, so it's well signposted in the city centre. Head to New Station Street, where you'll find the main entrance, or you can get in via a second entrance located at the corner of City Square.

Leeds is connected to the East Coast Mainline via a branch line, so there are frequent trains to London. In addition, there are direct services to the North West, North East and Scotland, as well as the Midlands, the South East and South West. Services are provided by LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express and Northern.

Main stops

TransPennine Express and CrossCountry trains are express services, so they generally don't stop between Leeds and York.

Some Northern trains will stop at Cross Gates, Garforth, East Garforth, Micklefield and Church Fenton. The longest stopping services take a different route, calling at: Burley Park, Headingley, Horsforth, Weeton, Pannal, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, Starbeck, Knaresborough, Cattal, Hammerton and Poppleton.

Arriving at York

On taking the fast and easy Leeds to York train, you'll arrive at York Station. It's located right in the heart of the city, on Station Road. Being a relatively compact place, everything in York centre is reachable within a few minutes' walk.

York is a major stop on the East Coast Main Line, and LNER run frequent trains to Newcastle, Edinburgh and London. CrossCountry run services to places like Plymouth, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh. TransPennine Express connects York to the east and west coasts, including big cities like Manchester and Liverpool. Local services to multiple nearby towns and villages are provided by Northern.

York is a beautiful city with a history dating back to Roman times. Indeed, the old city walls are one of the first sights that greet you as you leave the station. Be sure to enjoy some time exploring York's many independent shops and eateries located on the iconic Shambles. There are many attractions and museums, including the famous JORVIK Viking Centre.

TransPennine Express train classes

• Standard Class: Catch Standard Class and enjoy a bookable seat with free Wi-Fi and a power socket for each pair of seats.
• First Class: Choose First Class and enjoy upgraded, spacious seating with extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, plus USB and power sockets at each seat. You'll also benefit from complimentary drinks and snacks during your journey.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

If you're planning to catch the popular TransPennine Express service between Leeds and York, then we've got all the info you need to make the most of your journey.

• Luggage: You can stow your luggage in either the luggage spaces at the end of the carriage or in the overhead racks above each pair of seats.
• Bicycles: Bikes are allowed on board, but you need to book a space for them in advance. Bike storage is in a specific area on the train - staff will help if you cannot find it.
• Children: Adults can bring two children under 5 for free, and a 50% discount is available for most Advance tickets for 5–15-year-olds.
• Pets: Up to 2 dogs can accompany you on your journey, but they must be kept on a lead and can't sit on tables or seats. Smaller animals need to be kept in a pet carrier. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome on board.
• Passenger Assist: If you will need assistance to make your journey, you must request it at least two hours in advance of travel. TransPennine Express Passenger Assist can be requested via phone, WhatsApp or online.

CrossCountry trains can get you from Leeds to York in as little as 22 minutes.

The Leeds to York train route is serviced by their Plymouth to Edinburgh service, which is a high-speed intercity train. The focus is on speed and comfort, so it can be a good option to get there quickly. Their remit is to run from the South and South West to Manchester and the North East, before reaching Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: In Standard Class you can reserve window or aisle seats with free Wi-Fi and a paid-for refreshments service on most trains.
• First Class: Choose First Class and enjoy upgraded, spacious seating with extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, plus USB and power sockets at each seat. You'll also benefit from complimentary drinks and snacks during your journey.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: Luggage racks are located in each carriage to store big items. Normal-sized luggage can be put into either overhead spaces or under the seat in front.
• Bicycles: There are a limited number of bike spaces, so you need to book one in advance.
• Children: As with most trains on the network, families can benefit from the Family and friends Railcard, which offers 33% off adult tickets and 60% off child tickets on most off-peak trains. It's a great way to buy cheap train tickets for all sorts of journeys!
• Pets: You can bring up to 2 pets with you on board, but they have to be kept in a cage or pet carrier that gives them plenty of room. In the case of dogs, they can be kept on a lead. Pet carriers that take up a seat will incur an extra charge.
• Passenger Assist: CrossCountry uses the national Passenger Assist system. If you need assistance, you should ideally book in advance. If you can't do this, staff will still do their best to assist you at the station.

Northern trains tend to stop at more places than other operators, so the Leeds to York train journey with them can take from 27 minutes up to over an hour, depending on the service.

Northern trains operate handy local trains to connect towns and cities across the north of England. This covers big places like Manchester, Carlisle, Newcastle, York and Lincoln. Their trains also call at tiny stations that aren't served by the big express trains.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Standard Class travellers on Northern trains benefit from free Wi-Fi on most services (with the rest being upgraded in due course).
• First Class: Northern train services do not offer Leeds to York First Class tickets.

Northern train travel advice

• Luggage: As you would expect, luggage can be put into the dedicated spaces, overhead racks or under seats.
• Bicycles: Bicycles are welcome on board, with a limited number of spaces per train.
• Children: Kids aged 5–15 travel for 50% off on most fares, and those under 5 can board for free with an adult. 16–17-year-olds can get 50% off with the 16–17 Saver Railcard.
• Pets: Pets are welcome on Northern trains, but you have to keep to some rules. Amongst others, they are: a maximum of two pets per adult; they have to be kept in a suitable carrier (dogs can be kept on a lead); they mustn't be on a seat or disturb other passengers.
• Passenger Assist: You can book assistance, should you require it, via telephone or online. Help can be provided at the station and along the route.

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