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London Kings Cross to Darlington train ticket prices

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Darlington by train? Find fares from as low as £28.42. 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

£28.42󰄽

On Fri 24 Jul

  • £37.00󰄽
    Mon20 Jul
  • £37.00󰄽
    Tue21 Jul
  • £37.00󰄽
    Wed22 Jul
  • £47.30󰄽
    Thu23 Jul
  • Fri24 Jul
  • £28.42󰄽
    Sat25 Jul
  • £28.42󰄽
    Sun26 Jul

London Kings Cross to Darlington train timetable

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Darlington, the fastest train takes 2h 20m with an average travel time of 2h 29m. With 43 daily trains, the first departs at 05:48 and the last at 23:36. 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

22:35

London Kings Cross
7h 39m, 1 change

06:14

Darlington
LNER
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23:12

London Kings Cross
9h 20m, 1 change

08:32

Darlington
Thameslink
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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 £28.42
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
215 miles (347km)
Journey time
2h 20m
First train
05:48
Last train
23:36
Frequency
43

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.

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 fare from London Kings Cross to Darlington is approximately £28.42, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.

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

Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare London Kings Cross to Darlington train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!

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, 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

How do I find London Kings Cross to Darlington train timetables?

London Kings Cross to Darlington trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.

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?

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?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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, 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 London Kings Cross to Darlington route is operated by CrossCountry. 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

    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.

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?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.