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York to London Kings Cross train ticket prices
€33.23
On Sat 28 Mar
York to London Kings Cross train timetable
Travelling from York to London Kings Cross, the fastest train takes 1h 50m with an average travel time of 2h 4m. With 69 daily trains, the first departs at 04:40 and the last at 22:59. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:31 York | 2h 1m, Direct | 17:32 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
15:37 York | 2h 15m, 1 change | 17:52 London Kings Cross | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:55 York | 2h 6m, Direct | 18:01 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
16:17 York | 1h 53m, Direct | 18:10 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
16:27 York | 2h 13m, Direct | 18:40 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
York to London Kings Cross train tickets and times
Plan your journey from York to London Kings Cross 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 one to choose?
Travelling by train from York to London King’s Cross is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the capital from northern England. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Grand Central run direct services throughout the day, covering roughly 172 miles along the East Coast Main Line in around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours.
The table below provides a quick comparison so you can decide which operator best suits your travel needs.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Featured services |
LNER | 1h 59m | Flexibility & speed | Frequent 2–4 services per hour, modern Azuma trains, strong Wi-Fi, high-quality First Class dining | |
Grand Central | 2h | York | Budget & comfort | Lower walk-up fares, spacious seating with more tables, and free Wi-Fi for all passengers |
Key comparison facts:
- Frequency: LNER runs the majority of trains on this route with 2–4direct services hourly, while Grand Central usually operates around 5–6 trains per day.
- Onboard experience: LNER’s Azuma fleet provides power sockets at every seat and faster Wi-Fi. Grand Central trains are praised for more legroom and a higher proportion of table seating in Standard Class.
- First Class: LNER provides a premium First Class experience, including station lounge access and complimentary hot meals, whereas Grand Central offers light refreshments and snacks.
Train travels from York to London King's Cross
The York to London King’s Cross route is one of the most important rail corridors in the UK, connecting northern England with the capital along the East Coast Main Line. With fast journey times and frequent departures, it is widely used by both commuters and leisure travellers.
Departure from York
York Railway Station is a major northern rail hub handling over 115 train movements daily and roughly 69 direct services to London. The station features 11 platforms beneath its distinctive curved roof, with LNER trains typically departing every 27–30 minutes during the day.
Specific transport links
- Park & Ride network: Askham Bar Line 3 provides a frequent and direct link to the station entrance.
- Local buses: Routes 7 and 10 stop outside on Station Road beside the main station forecourt.
- Cycling access: Around 60 secure bike racks are available in the short-stay station car park.
- Taxi rank: Licensed taxis operate from the dedicated rank beneath the station portico.
Station layout
- Platform 3: Primary departure point for fast LNER services heading south to London King’s Cross.
- Platforms 5, 6 and 7: Often used for additional London departures depending on scheduling.
- Main concourse: Central area containing ticket barriers, information boards, and retail outlets.
Pre-departure essentials
Inside the concourse, you will find WHSmith and M&S Simply Food for quick meal deals and travel essentials. Coffee chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee are located near the entrance and just inside the ticket barriers.
Onboard trains from York to London King's Cross
LNER Azuma trains complete the York–London route at speeds up to 125mph, with the fastest journeys taking around 110 minutes. With roughly three departures per hour at peak times, passengers benefit from frequent service and a smooth ride powered mainly by electric traction.
The scenic side
Sit on the left-hand side heading south for views of farmland and landscapes across the Vale of York.
Key landmarks
- Peterborough Cathedral: Its distinctive Gothic facade is visible as you slow into Peterborough station.
- Stoke Bank: Historic stretch where the Mallard locomotive set its world speed record in 1938.
- Grantham countryside: Brief views of rolling Lincolnshire fields as the train accelerates south.
- Alexandra Palace: Hilltop landmark visible shortly before reaching London King’s Cross.
Arriving at London King's Cross
London King’s Cross operates 11 main platforms, making it one of the busiest rail hubs in the UK. As the southern terminus for LNER, trains from York arrive several times per hour, placing passengers directly in central London with excellent onward transport links.
The correct exit
- Main concourse exit: Leads directly onto Euston Road and the central transport interchange.
- Great Northern Hotel side: A useful landmark when orienting yourself outside the main entrance.
- Platform 9 area exit: Leads toward the popular Platform 9¾ photo spot and retail area.
- Waitrose side exit: Provides the quickest access to the covered black-cab taxi rank.
Onward travel
- London Underground: Access to the Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines.
- Local buses: Major routes operate from stops on Euston Road and York Way outside the station.
- St Pancras International: Three-minute walk across the square for Eurostar and Thameslink services.
- Santander Cycles: Public cycle hire docks nearby provide a quick option for short city trips.
Walkability
King’s Cross sits in a well-connected part of central London with several major attractions nearby. The British Library is around seven minutes on foot, while Coal Drops Yard, a redeveloped shopping and dining district behind the station, can be reached in about five minutes. Although areas like the West End or the City are further away, the Underground makes most central destinations reachable within fifteen minutes.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
York to London Kings Cross train travel guide
Taking the train from York to London Kings Cross is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from York, you can arrive at London Kings Cross in just 1h 50m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from York to London Kings Cross?
The average ticket fare from York to London Kings Cross is about €33.23, 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 Kings Cross by train?
What is the fastest train from York to London Kings Cross?
The fastest train journey time from York to London Kings Cross is 1h 50m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from York to London Kings Cross?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from York to London Kings Cross. 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 York to London Kings Cross?
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?
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
Are York to London Kings Cross trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
York to London Kings Cross trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do York to London Kings Cross trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the York to London Kings Cross 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?
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 Kings Cross route?
The train from York to London Kings Cross 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
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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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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
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 York to London Kings Cross train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
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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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