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London to Leeds train ticket prices
€40.78
On Wed 08 Apr
London to Leeds train timetable
From London to Leeds, take the fastest train in 2h 9m, typically 2h 11m. Daily, 36 trains depart from London, with the first at 05:40 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.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:03 London Kings Cross | 2h 18m, Direct | 18:21 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
16:39 London Kings Cross | 2h 10m, Direct | 18:49 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
17:08 London Kings Cross | 2h 13m, Direct | 19:21 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
17:39 London Kings Cross | 2h 10m, Direct | 19:49 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
18:03 London Kings Cross | 2h 16m, Direct | 20:19 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
London to Leeds train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
LNER trains from London to Leeds
First Class vs Standard — What to choose?
LNER offers two main classes of service on this route, each designed for different travel needs and budgets.
- First Class provides a premium experience with extra legroom, wider seats, and a more spacious cabin environment. Complimentary food and drinks throughout the journey, including hot meals, snacks, and beverages. Access to the exclusive LNER First Class Lounge at King's Cross before departure. Best for comfort, extra working space, and meals included in your fare.
- Standard Class offers excellent value for money with comfortable, modern seating and all the essential amenities. Passengers have access to complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets at their seats. You can purchase food and drinks on board or bring your own.
What is the luggage allowance?
LNER allows generous luggage allowances on all services. Passengers can bring up to two large pieces of luggage (such as suitcases) plus one smaller carry-on bag (such as a rucksack or laptop bag) without additional charge. There is ample luggage storage space throughout the train, including overhead racks and designated storage areas at the end of carriages.
What happens if my train is delayed?
LNER has a delay repayment scheme that compensates passengers if trains arrive significantly late at their destination. If your train arrives 30 minutes or more late, you're entitled to compensation—typically 25% of your fare for delays of 30-59 minutes, and 50% for delays of 60 minutes or more. You can claim compensation through the LNER website or app by providing your booking reference and details of the delay. Claims are usually processed within a few weeks.
Train travel from London to Leeds
London Kings Cross: Getting to the Platform
- The "0-8" Secret: Most Edinburgh-bound trains (especially Lumo) depart from Platforms 0–8. These are located in a separate concourse to the right of the main departures board. Allow an extra 2–3 minutes to walk there.
- Pre-Departure: Avoid the main concourse queues and grab a coffee at The Parcel Yard pub—it has plenty of space and charging points. For a classic tourist snap, the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ shop is located near the entrance to platforms 9-11.
Onboard trains from London to Leeds
The journey to Leeds is particularly scenic as you travel through some of England's most varied landscapes—from the flat Fenlands of East Anglia through the rolling hills of the East Midlands to the dramatic Yorkshire landscape.
The scenic side
The route is particularly rewarding from Peterborough onwards. As the train heads north, you'll see the flat, agricultural Fenlands gradually give way to gentle rolling countryside. Between Grantham and Newark, the landscape becomes noticeably hillier, with open green fields punctuated by woodland.
Key landmarks
Look out for Grantham's impressive church spire as you leave the Midlands behind. As the train approaches Peterborough, you may spot the magnificent Peterborough Cathedral.
Arriving at Leeds
Step off the train and you are immediately in the bustling commercial heart of Leeds, with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within walking distance.
The correct exit
- City Square Exit (Main Exit): The principal way out leads directly onto City Square and into the city centre. This is the quickest route to The Light shopping centre, Briggate (the main shopping street), and the Leeds Business District.
- Neville Street Exit: Exits onto Neville Street to the east of the station, useful if heading towards the Leeds Dock redevelopment, cultural venues, or the Financial District.
- Station Approach: Pedestrian access via the front forecourt provides direct links to local buses and taxi services, as well as easy access to nearby hotels and the Corn Exchange.
Onward Travel
- Leeds City Bus Station: The main hub for local and intercity buses is just a 5-minute walk from the main exit via Briggate.
- Leeds Train Station Subway: The Leeds Metro (local light rail connections) departs from outside the station.
- Taxis: A large taxi rank is located directly outside the main City Square entrance, with mini-cab services available throughout the station.
Walkability
Briggate (the main shopping street), City Square, the Leeds Art Gallery, and the Corn Exchange are all within a 10-minute walk. For the Cultural Quarter's museums and theatres, head towards Calverley Street, roughly a 12-minute walk. Leeds Dock is approximately 15 minutes' walk along the canal side from the station.
London to Leeds train travel guide
The train journey from London to Leeds combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Leeds in just 2h 9m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Leeds?
Ticket prices from London to Leeds average around €40.78, 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 to Leeds by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Leeds?
The fastest train journey time from London to Leeds is 2h 9m. 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 to Leeds?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Leeds. 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 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?
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 Leeds train timetables?
While London 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 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 to Leeds trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Leeds 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?
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?
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
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?
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 to Leeds route?
The train from London to Leeds is operated by Northern. 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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.
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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.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap London to Leeds train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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