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London Kings Cross to Leeds train ticket prices

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Leeds by train? Find fares from as low as £23.60. 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

£23.60󰄽

On Sat 08 Aug

£28.60󰄽
Tue04 Aug
£31.10󰄽
Wed05 Aug
£39.40󰄽
Thu06 Aug
£28.60󰄽
Fri07 Aug
Sat08 Aug
£23.60󰄽
Sun09 Aug
£33.90󰄽
Mon10 Aug

London Kings Cross to Leeds train timetable

Travelling from London Kings Cross to Leeds, the fastest train takes 2h 9m with an average travel time of 2h 13m. With 46 daily trains, the first departs at 05:40 and the last at 23:33. 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.

Departs		Arrives	Operator
05:40 London Kings Cross	2h 13m, Direct	07:53 Leeds	LNER	Find tickets
06:00 London Kings Cross	2h 18m, Direct	08:18 Leeds	LNER	Find tickets
06:40 London Kings Cross	2h 10m, Direct	08:50 Leeds	LNER	Find tickets
07:10 London Kings Cross	2h 11m, Direct	09:21 Leeds	LNER	Find tickets
07:39 London Kings Cross	2h 10m, Direct	09:49 Leeds	LNER	Find tickets

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London Kings Cross to Leeds train tickets and times

Plan your journey from London Kings Cross to Leeds 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 £23.60

Departure station

London Kings Cross

Arrival station

Leeds

Distance

168 miles (270km)

Journey time

2h 9m

First train

05:40

Last train

23:33

Frequency

Train operators

CrossCountry, Northern, Grand Central

LNER trains from London King's Cross to Leeds

By Jay Harlow | Updated May 20, 2026

Getting from the capital to the heart of Yorkshire is a breeze with direct London North Eastern Railway (LNER), the primary operator for this high-speed corridor, taking 2h 11m. With frequent departures throughout the day, LNER provides flexibility for both business trips and leisure travel, ensuring you arrive in Leeds refreshed and ready to explore the city.

Is LNER First Class worth the extra cost?

If you value productivity or luxury, First Class is a noticeable upgrade. Seats are wider, leather-upholstered, and recline more than those in Standard, with up to 50% more legroom. Complimentary meals and drinks are served at your seat, ranging from full hot breakfasts to evening snacks.

What is the LNER Standard Class experience like?

Standard Class on LNER Azuma trains combines modern comfort with practicality. Seats are ergonomic and include fold-down tables and personal power sockets. Overhead racks and under-seat spaces easily accommodate cabin-sized luggage, and the Foodbar offers a wide selection of hot drinks, sandwiches, and local snacks. With trains running every 30 minutes during peak times, Standard Class provides a reliable, cost-effective travel option that still meets the needs of business and leisure passengers alike.

What onboard facilities can I expect?

Connectivity is straightforward with free Wi-Fi available throughout, though First Class provides faster, more reliable speeds. Standard passengers can order food using the QR-based “Let’s Eat at Your Seat” service, avoiding buffet queues. Carriages feature accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and real-time digital screens showing journey progress, connecting services, and station information.

Train travels from London King's Cross to Leeds

The route from London King’s Cross to Leeds follows the famous East Coast Main Line, covering roughly 168 miles in just over two hours on direct services. Here is how to navigate departure, enjoy the journey, and arrive in Leeds smoothly.

Departure from London King's Cross

London King’s Cross is one of the UK’s busiest rail hubs, connecting national rail routes with the London Underground and major bus corridors.

Specific transport links

The Tube Underground: King’s Cross St Pancras station serves Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
The Victoria Line: The fastest link from south and north London, with trains arriving every few minutes during peak hours.
London Bus Routes: Bus stops on Euston Road (Stops D and E) connect routes like the 91 and 73 directly outside the station.
Cycling Access: Santander Cycles docking stations sit near the Pancras Road and Euston Road entrances for quick cycle drop-offs.

Station layout

Platforms 0–8 (Main Shed): Most LNER long-distance services to Leeds depart from these central platforms.
Platform 0 Location: Positioned on the far right of the concourse near luggage storage and ticket gates.
Platforms 9–11 (Western Range): Located past the ticket office and Platform 9¾ shop, roughly a three-minute walk from the main boards.

Pre-departure essentials

If you arrive early, King’s Cross has plenty of quick food and drink options. Waitrose inside the concourse is a reliable stop for sandwiches, drinks, and snacks before boarding. For better coffee, many regular travellers head to Gail’s Bakery near the platforms 9–11 corridor.

Onboard trains from LondonKing'ss Cross to Leeds

Once you leave London, the train quickly settles into a smooth high-speed run along the East Coast Main Line. Although the journey is relatively short, there are a few scenic highlights and interesting landmarks along the way if you know where to look.

The scenic side

Sit on the right-hand side for the best countryside views, including Lincolnshire farmland after Peterborough and the elevated panoramic approach into Leeds.

Key landmarks

Peterborough Cathedral: A striking medieval cathedral visible briefly as the train approaches the station.
Doncaster railway yards: Historic rail engineering site where famous locomotives were once built.
Yorkshire countryside: Traditional farmland and hedgerows offer classic northern English scenery.
Leeds city skyline: Modern glass buildings mix with historic industrial structures near the final approach.

Arriving at Leeds

Leeds station sits right beside the city centre and serves as a major transport hub for West Yorkshire. Because the station has several exits, knowing which one to use can save you time when heading into the city.

The correct exit

Main north exit: Leads onto New Station Street opposite the Queens Hotel and main pedestrian crossing.
Southern entrance: Modern glass entrance overlooking the River Aire and Granary Wharf waterfront area.
South Bank route: Best option if you are heading towards the Royal Armouries Museum or Leeds Dock.

Onward travel

City Buses: Leeds operates a dense bus network with many routes departing from Station Interchange (Stand S).
University Routes: Buses 1 and 6 frequently run between the station and the University of Leeds campus.
Leeds Water Taxi: Small yellow boats run every 15 minutes between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock.
National Express Connections: Leeds City Bus Station is roughly a 12-minute walk via Boar Lane.

Walkability

Trinity Leeds shopping centre sits about three minutes away, while Millennium Square and the Civic Quarter are roughly a 10-minute walk uphill. Most major attractions, restaurants,s and offices lie within a 15-minute walking radius, making it easy to explore without needing additional transport.

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

London Kings Cross to Leeds train travel guide

Travelling by train from London Kings Cross to Leeds is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can reach Leeds in just 2h 9m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

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

Ticket prices from London Kings Cross to Leeds average around £23.60, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.

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

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from London Kings Cross to Leeds.

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

The fastest train journey time from London Kings Cross to Leeds is 2h 9m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

Are there direct trains from London Kings Cross to Leeds?

No, there are no direct trains from London Kings Cross to Leeds. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip

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

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?

You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey

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

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

Yes, most trains on the route from London Kings Cross to Leeds 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

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?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

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

The London Kings Cross to Leeds 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap London Kings Cross to Leeds 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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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.

More train routes

Trains from London Kings Cross	Trains from Leeds
London Kings Cross to Hull	Leeds to Bradford
London Kings Cross to Cambridge	Leeds to Hull
London Kings Cross to Doncaster	Leeds to Manchester Victoria
London Kings Cross to Peterborough	Leeds to London Kings Cross
London Kings Cross to Manchester	Leeds to Birmingham

* 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.

London Kings Cross to Leeds Trains From £23.60*

Find the lowest fares: Book Advance tickets & travel off-peak