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York to London train ticket prices
£31.10
On Mon 18 May
York to London train timetable
From York to London, take the fastest train in 1h 50m, typically 2h 2m. Daily, 52 trains depart from York, with the first at 07:58 and the last at 22:22. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
07:58 York | 2h, Direct | 09:58 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
08:39 York | 2h 58m, 1 change | 11:37 London Kings Cross | Northern | Find tickets |
08:55 York | 2h 3m, Direct | 10:58 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
09:17 York | 1h 56m, Direct | 11:13 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
09:31 York | 2h 2m, Direct | 11:33 London Kings Cross | LNER | 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.
York to London train travel guide
The train journey from York to London combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from York, you can get to London in just 1h 50m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from York to London?
Ticket prices from York to London average around £31.10, 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 York to London by train?
What is the fastest train from York to London?
The quickest train journey from York to London takes 1h 50m . 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 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, 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?
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
How do I find York to London train timetables?
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?
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 York to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from York to London 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?
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?
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 route from York to London is operated by Northern. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules 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
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 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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