No booking fees on the app

No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support

24/7 customer support

  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. London Kings Cross to Darlington

London Kings Cross to Darlington train ticket prices

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Darlington by train? Find fares from as low as £31.18. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£31.18󰄽

On Tue 20

  • £51.50󰄽
    Sun18Oct
  • £50.20󰄽
    Mon19Oct
  • Tue20Oct
  • £31.18󰄽
    Wed21Oct
  • £31.18󰄽
    Thu22Oct
  • £47.30󰄽
    Fri23Oct
  • £31.18󰄽
    Sat24Oct

London Kings Cross to Darlington train timetable

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Darlington, the fastest train takes 3h 20m with an average travel time of 3h 45m. With 38 daily trains, the first departs at 00:20 and the last at 23:54. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.

DepartsArrivesOperator

14:43

London Kings Cross
3h 46m, 1 change

18:29

Darlington
LNER
Find tickets

14:51

London Kings Cross
4h 3m, 2 change

18:54

Darlington
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets

15:08

London Kings Cross
3h 21m, Direct

18:29

Darlington
LNER
Find tickets

15:49

London Kings Cross
3h 41m, 1 change

19:30

Darlington
LNER
Find tickets

15:51

London Kings Cross
4h 16m, 2 change

20:07

Darlington
East Midlands Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

London Kings Cross to Darlington train tickets and times

Plan your journey from London Kings Cross to Darlington with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

Price
From £31.18
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
215 miles (346km)
Journey time
3h 20m
First train
00:20
Last train
23:54
Frequency
38
Train operators

LNER: London Kings Cross to Darlington trains

By Rosaline Nancy Kargbo | Updated May 20, 2026
Travel to Darlington by rail in just under two and a half hours. The journey from London Kings Cross to Darlington offers beautiful glimpses of rural and industrial life as well as the York Minster. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) operates two direct trains an hour.
LNER is a major train-operating company serving Greater London, Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland. Trains go as far as Inverness. Other stations on its network include Skipton, Grantham and Hull.

Departing from London Kings Cross

The London to Darlington train departs from London Kings Cross, one of the busiest stations in the country. Getting there is simple thanks to numerous bus routes, a dedicated taxi rank and London Underground interchanges. King’s Cross St Pancras is on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Five operators provide rail services from Kings Cross station: LNER, Great Northern, Lumo, Grand Central and Hull Trains. Their routes offer direct access to east and north-eastern England, Yorkshire and Scotland. Destinations include Harrogate, Stevenage, Lincoln and Hull.

Main stops

Stations served depend on the train operator, route and time. Your London to Darlington train could also call at Peterborough, Doncaster or York.

Arriving at Darlington

Trains from London arrive in Darlington, an iconic station and home to the world’s first public steam railway. It’s situated on Bank Top, less than 15 minutes away from the town centre. Four bus routes stop directly in front of the station, and cabs are available from the north entrance.
Darlington is full of Victorian gems, real ale pubs and entertainment venues. The beautifully restored Darlington Library is a hub for local and family history as well as regional art in the same building as the Crown Street Art Gallery. Another 15-minute walk north takes you to Hopetown, Darlington, an incredible railway museum where you can enjoy a bite to eat and buy souvenirs in the former 1833 Goods Shed.
Darlington station has regular services operated by LNER, CrossCountry, Northern and TransPennine Express. You can catch trains to towns and cities such as Aberdeen, Redcar and Exeter.

LNER train classes

  • Standard Class: LNER’s comfortable seating has 7 centimetres of legroom in Standard Class as well as a table. Carriages also include power sockets, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a café to purchase refreshments. Book as soon as you can to buy cheap train tickets.
  • First Class: London to Darlington First Class carriages have larger reclining seats, individual sockets and USB ports to charge your devices, and bigger tables. Passengers also receive hot and cold refreshments. LNER First Class lounge access is available for departure and arrival (next to Waitrose at King’s Cross and on platform 1 at Darlington). Lounges offer free WiFi, light refreshments and charging points. 

LNER train travel advice

  • Luggage: Each passenger is allowed one small bag, a medium-sized carry-on bag and a large suitcase.
  • Bicycles: It’s free and compulsory to reserve a space for non-folding bikes. Charging e-bikes on board is not permitted.
  • Children: Two kids under 5 can travel free with an adult. Additional children will need a Child ticket. 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders usually get most fares half price. If you can, fold buggies before boarding.
  • Pets: Up to two pets can board the train for free. They must stay out of the aisles and off the seats.
  • Passenger Assist: Request help for your journey, such as getting around the station, up to two hours before you travel. Station staff can also assist you on the day.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Why book London Kings Cross to Darlington trains with TrainPal?

  • Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?

    TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London Kings Cross to Darlington start from just £31.18 on TrainPal.

  • Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?

    TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., LNER on the London Kings Cross to Darlington route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.

London Kings Cross to Darlington train travel guide

Travelling by train from London Kings Cross to Darlington is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can reach Darlington in just 3h 20m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

The average ticket fare from London Kings Cross to Darlington is about £31.18, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.

What is the best way to travel from London Kings Cross to Darlington by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from London Kings Cross to Darlington.

What is the fastest train from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

The quickest train journey from London Kings Cross to Darlington takes 3h 20m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.

Are there direct trains from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London Kings Cross to Darlington. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

Are London Kings Cross to Darlington trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

London Kings Cross to Darlington trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.

Do London Kings Cross to Darlington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from London Kings Cross to Darlington are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Which train companies operate the London Kings Cross to Darlington route?

The London Kings Cross to Darlington route is operated by LNER. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.

  • Bicycle

    Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • Pets

    You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.

How to buy cheap London Kings Cross to Darlington train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄶
󰄽

Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

Step-by-step instructions for changing your journey or requesting a refund are available on our ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.