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  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 £15.85. 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

£15.85󰄽

On Thu 23 Apr

  • £23.65󰄽
    Sun19 Apr
  • £17.45󰄽
    Mon20 Apr
  • £17.45󰄽
    Tue21 Apr
  • £23.65󰄽
    Wed22 Apr
  • Thu23 Apr
  • £17.45󰄽
    Fri24 Apr
  • £23.65󰄽
    Sat25 Apr

London Kings Cross to Darlington train timetable

From London Kings Cross to Darlington, take the fastest train in 2h 20m, typically 2h 29m. Daily, 41 trains depart from London Kings Cross, with the first at 05:48 and the last at 23:33. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.

DepartsArrivesOperator

20:03

London Kings Cross
2h 42m, Direct

22:45

Darlington
LNER
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20:33

London Kings Cross
2h 39m, Direct

23:12

Darlington
LNER
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21:03

London Kings Cross
2h 44m, Direct

23:47

Darlington
LNER
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22:03

London Kings Cross
2h 54m, Direct

00:57

Darlington
LNER
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22:35

London Kings Cross
7h 39m, 1 change

06:14

Darlington
LNER
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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 £15.85
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
215 miles (347km)
Journey time
2h 20m
First train
05:48
Last train
23:33
Frequency
41

LNER: London Kings Cross to Darlington trains

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.

London Kings Cross to Darlington train travel guide

The train journey from London Kings Cross to Darlington combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can get to Darlington in just 2h 20m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

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 £15.85, 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.

How do I find the best train route from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

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 fastest train journey time from London Kings Cross to Darlington is 2h 20m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

Are there direct trains from London Kings Cross to Darlington?

No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London Kings Cross to Darlington. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.

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

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

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?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

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

Yes, most trains on the London Kings Cross to Darlington route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

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

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

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

The train from London Kings Cross to Darlington is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • 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

    Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its 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.
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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.
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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.