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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 15 Aug

  • £29.10󰄽
    Mon10 Aug
  • £29.10󰄽
    Tue11 Aug
  • £29.10󰄽
    Wed12 Aug
  • £33.90󰄽
    Thu13 Aug
  • £31.10󰄽
    Fri14 Aug
  • Sat15 Aug
  • £23.60󰄽
    Sun16 Aug

London Kings Cross to Leeds train timetable

Journey from London Kings Cross to Leeds on the fastest train in 2h 9m, usually 2h 12m. Every day, 44 trains leave from London Kings Cross, starting at 05:40 and ending at 23:33. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.

DepartsArrivesOperator

06:40

London Kings Cross
2h 10m, Direct

08:50

Leeds
LNER
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07:10

London Kings Cross
2h 11m, Direct

09:21

Leeds
LNER
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07:10

London Kings Cross
2h 12m, Direct

09:22

Leeds
LNER
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07:39

London Kings Cross
2h 10m, Direct

09:49

Leeds
LNER
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07:48

London Kings Cross
2h 52m, 1 change

10:40

Leeds
Grand Central
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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
Arrival station
Distance
168 miles (270km)
Journey time
2h 9m
First train
05:40
Last train
23:33
Frequency
44

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

The train journey from London Kings Cross to Leeds combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can get to Leeds in just 2h 9m, 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 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.

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

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 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, 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 Leeds trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

While London Kings Cross to Leeds trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London Kings Cross to Leeds is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.

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 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?

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?

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 train from London Kings Cross to Leeds 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

    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

    Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.

  • Pets

    Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 Leeds 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?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

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.