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London to Doncaster train ticket prices
£22.00
On Wed 01 Jul
London to Doncaster train timetable
Travelling from London to Doncaster, the fastest train takes 1h 32m with an average travel time of 1h 39m. With 78 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:39 London Kings Cross | 1h 39m, Direct | 20:18 Doncaster | LNER | Find tickets |
18:45 London Kings Cross | 1h 43m, Direct | 20:28 Doncaster | LNER | Find tickets |
19:00 London Kings Cross | 1h 40m, Direct | 20:40 Doncaster | LNER | Find tickets |
19:04 London Kings Cross | 1h 43m, Direct | 20:47 Doncaster | Hull Trains | Find tickets |
19:08 London Kings Cross | 1h 43m, Direct | 20:51 Doncaster | LNER | Find tickets |
London to Doncaster train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Doncaster 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.
LNER vs Hull Trains vs Grand Central: Which should you choose?
From London to Doncaster, travel with LNER, Hull Trains, or Grand Central. Whichever operator you choose, you’ll get a fast direct route north.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 1h 38m | Premium First Class Experience, Regular Services | Hot food in First Class | |
Hull Trains | 1h 46m | London Kings Cross | Lower Fares | Affordable advance fares |
Grand Central | 1h 32m | London Kings Cross | Fastest Direct Route | First Class refreshments |
- LNER is the premium service on the East Coast Main Line, and the most frequent train you can board from London to Doncaster. Order food and drink to your seat in Standard Class, or enjoy a complimentary meal with First Class.
- Hull Trains runs one train every two hours from London. First Class comes with a premium travel experience, including reclining spacious seats with extra leg room, and a selection of freshly made sandwiches, served at your seat with tea or coffee and light refreshments (subject to availability).
- Grand Central offers the fastest direct route from London to Doncaster. Choose Grand Central for advance fares, and personalised at-seat catering and refreshments in First Class.
Train travel from London to Doncaster
Our local station secrets will help you get to Doncaster quicker and more fruitfully, whether you’re up with the lark on the first train at the day (05:48) or cruising out the capital late at night.
London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform
A 150-mile journey to South Yorkshire starts with a single station: London King’s Cross.
- London Underground: The quickest way to start your trip is with a Tube ride to King’s Cross. Use the Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines; be sure to follow signs to King’s Cross as you exit, or you might end up at St Pancras, as the two share an Underground station.
- Doncaster or Hogwarts?: Ever wanted to experience the magic of boarding the Hogwarts Express? When you depart from London King’s Cross, pose for a classic tourist snap by the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ shop, located near the entrance to platforms 9 and 10.
- The "0-8" Trick: Trains to Doncaster will depart from Platforms 0–8, depending on timetables and your operator. All these platforms are located in a separate concourse to the right of the main departures board, so don’t leave it tight to find your train… or you may have to travel by flying car!
Onboard trains from London to Doncaster
Heading north from London is a great way to enjoy hours of greenery. Grab a window seat and let your mind wander!
- Key Landmarks: Look out for historical sights like Newark Castle, as well as natural scenery such as Crown Lakes Country Park, and the River Nene, near Peterborough.
- The View Alert: For the best views through Cambridgeshire, including Holme Fen National Nature Reserve, choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing North).
Arriving at Doncaster
Off Trafford Way, Doncaster Station provides good access to the centre of Donny. Where are you heading next?
- The Draughtsman Alehouse: Stop for a pint in the station if you’re not in a rush to get out! Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available too.
- FirstBus: Board local bus services operated by FirstBus. To travel to South Yorkshire’s other major hubs, use the new X11 route to Sheffield.
- Donny by foot: Walk around Doncaster easily. Head east from the station towards attractions like Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, or to Elmfield Park. Or stroll around the city centre (Doncaster was granted city status in 2022, as part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours).
London to Doncaster train travel guide
Travelling by train from London to Doncaster is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Doncaster in just 1h 32m, 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 to Doncaster?
The average fare from London to Doncaster is approximately £22.00, 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.
How do I find the best train route from London to Doncaster?
What is the fastest train from London to Doncaster?
The quickest train journey from London to Doncaster takes 1h 32m . 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 to Doncaster?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Doncaster. 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 to Doncaster?
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
How do I find London to Doncaster train timetables?
While London to Doncaster 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 to Doncaster 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?
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 to Doncaster trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Doncaster 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
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
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 to Doncaster route?
The train from London to Doncaster 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
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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.
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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.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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 to Doncaster train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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.
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