York to Leeds Trains From £3.20*

You’ve got plenty of choice for trains from York to Leeds. The best part? You can zoom between these iconic Yorkshire cities in under half an hour. Let’s dive into each operator’s service:

• Northern offers four trains an hour with intermediary stops and the cheapest fares. The longest route via Harrogate takes roughly 1 hour and 13 minutes. In a hurry? You can take a faster 31-minute York to Leeds train serving Garforth.
• CrossCountry services are a great option if you’re after a speedier train. This route has no stops, but trains depart just once an hour. You can also upgrade to York to Leeds First Class tickets, ideal for quieter journeys.
• TransPennine Express trains take passengers straight to Leeds in as little as 22 minutes. You won’t have to wait too long, either - services operate up to three times each hour. Additional comfort and more perks await in First Class. Book early for the best fares.

Opting for rail promises a quick and reliable 22-mile (35-kilometre) connection to Yorkshire’s unofficial capital. Here’s what to expect from departure to arrival.

York: Getting to the platform

Begin your journey a few hundred metres from the striking medieval city walls. York station is a stone’s throw from the city centre. From surrounding areas and towns, this five-star rail hub is easily accessible by bus.

• Station design: York station is made up of three sections, with platforms 1–4 located on the concourse level. Platforms 1 and 3 are to your left, and platforms 2 and 4 are located on the right. Towards the centre of the station are platforms 5–9, and the third area on the far side provides access to platforms 10–11. The York to Leeds train often departs from platforms 3–8, 10 and 11.
• Shops and eateries: Stock up on essentials or a quick snack before you’re on the move. Inside York station, you’ll find meal deals and everyday items in Sainsbury’s and WHSmith. If you want to escape the busy concourse, head to a sit-in café or pub like Costa or the York Tap.

On board trains from York to Leeds

Whichever route you choose, your journey from York to Leeds takes in stunning farmland and rural scenery before terminating minutes away from the heart of the action in the city.

• View alert: Look out for Hob Moor and Askham Bog Nature Reserve on your right as you leave the walled city behind. The train crosses Pitt Falls just before you reach Micklefield. For passengers taking Northern’s slower services via Harrogate, the popular Poppleton Fishing Lakes and tranquil stretches of the River Nidd will come into view on the right side. The train also passes over the Knaresborough Viaduct’s majestic arches, offering a glimpse of the charming town below.
• Catering services: Both CrossCountry and TransPennine Express provide onboard refreshments and complimentary catering for First Class ticket holders, but the rapid journey leaves little time to get refreshments on a York to Leeds train. We recommend buying anything you’d like to tuck into before boarding.

Arriving at Leeds

Continuing your onward journey from Leeds station is simple. Fronted by the Queens Hotel, the major rail hub is conveniently close to the city centre, buzzing venues and shopping arcades.

• New Station Street exit: Leeds station’s main exit is located to the north. Head this way for the city centre. You can also take a bus or a cab immediately outside. The exit also leads to one of the station’s bike parking areas.
• Aire Street exit: Use this way out for more bicycle parking or accessing the car park.
• City Square exit: Some bus routes stop by the paved junction overlooked by the listed buildings. If you’re going towards Leeds Town Hall, this is the best exit.
• Holbeck Urban Village exit: Located on the lower ground floor, you can take this way out to quickly reach Granary Wharf (open between 06:00 and 22:00).
• Local transport: The majority of attractions, shopping spots and entertainment venues are within walking distance. Neville Street, Boar Lane and City Square have bus stops for routes serving areas further afield. For convenient point-to-point travel, catch a taxi from the main exit.