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York to London train ticket prices
£20.20
On Sat 12
York to London train timetable
From York to London, take the fastest train in 1h 53m, typically 2h 6m. Daily, 80 trains depart from York, with the first at 04:40 and the last at 22:19. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:24 York | 5h 52m, 2 change | 18:16 London Kings Cross | Northern | Find tickets |
12:27 York | 2h 14m, Direct | 14:41 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
12:31 York | 2h, Direct | 14:31 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
12:55 York | 2h 7m, Direct | 15:02 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
13:11 York | 5h 5m, 2 change | 18:16 London Kings Cross | Northern | Find tickets |
York to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from York to London 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 Grand Central: Which should you choose?
For a direct train from York to London, choose between two fast, reliable operators. LNER and Grand Central both transport passengers to the capital: which will you pick?
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 1h 59m | Regular Departures, First Class, Onboard Dining | Hot food in First Class, seat reservations | |
Grand Central | 1h 52m | London Kings Cross | Fastest Trains, Cheaper Prices, First Class | Freshly brewed bean to cup coffee |
- LNER runs fast, frequent services from York to London. Travel south on the East Coast Main Line with an operator that provides a premium travel experience, including a complimentary meal in First Class, and wide, spacious seats.
- The fastest direct route from York to London is with Grand Central, an operator that offers cheaper prices in Standard Class, as well as personalised at-seat catering and refreshments for First Class passengers.
Train travel from York to London
York: Getting to the Platform
- Railway heaven: York Station is nestled next to the National Railway Museum, so is an ideal station for locomotive aficionados to begin their journey on one of England’s most iconic lines.
- Heritage at every turn: Coming from the Shambles and York Minster, you’ll enjoy even more great heritage at York Station. Enter via the main entrance from Queens Road, and spend some time reading information boards before you set off to London.
- Threes and fives: Trains to London typically depart from platform 3 (LNER) or 5 (Grand Central). York is a relatively large station, so finding your platform can take a couple of minutes if you don’t know where you are going. Use the footbridge, or lifts for step-free access.
Onboard trains from York to London
From York’s historical landmarks to London’s abundance of heritage, your route between these famous cities can be just as entertaining.
- Key Landmarks: Down from Yorkshire, soar through Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire greenery. Look out for Bishop Wood in Selby, as well as Tickhill Castle between Doncaster and Worksop.
- The View Alert: For the best railway views heading out of York, and to follow the River Ouse south, book a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing South).
Arriving at London King’s Cross
What will you do first in the Big Smoke? Wherever you’re going, King’s Cross is the ideal launchpad.
- Take the Tube: Hop on the Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan lines from King’s Cross. If you prefer buses, board a red one from just outside the station!
- World-class facilities: Before you leave the station, try out some of King’s Cross’s amenities if you have time to spare. Visit the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ shop, make use of award-winning toilets, or head into neighbouring St Pancras for an even bigger selection of shops!
- Where will you walk to?: Top attractions are reachable in under half an hour by foot. Cross Euston Road and follow Judd Street, then Bernard Street, and finally Montague Place to get to the British Museum in 20 minutes. St Paul’s Cathedral is only 40 minutes away, heading south east.
Related travel guides
Why book York to London trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from York to London start from just £20.20 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., LNER, Northern, Hull Trains on the York to London route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
York to London train travel guide
Travelling by train from York to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from York, you can reach London in just 1h 53m, 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 York to London?
The average ticket fare from York to London is about £20.20, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from York to London by train?
What is the fastest train from York to London?
The fastest train journey time from York to London is 1h 53m. 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 York to London?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from York to London. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from York to London?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are York to London trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While York to London 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 York to London 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 York to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the York to London 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?
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
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the York to London route?
The train from York to London is operated by LNER. 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
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.
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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
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted 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 York to London 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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