Heading from London to York? This guide covers the best ways to get from London to York by train, car and coach.
Planning a trip from London to York? Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to explore York’s ancient city walls and stunning Gothic cathedral or planning a stop off along the way to northern England or Scotland, you’ll find several convenient travel options.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best ways to journey from London to the city of York.
From the efficiency of train travel and the flexibility of driving to the affordability of coach journeys and the convenience of private transfers, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the most suitable mode of transport for your adventure to York.
🧭 Fast Facts
London to York Distance
- By car – 220 miles or 354 km
- By train – 174 miles or 280 km
London to York train – how long does it take?
- The quickest route and service is 1 hour 49 minutes
How to get from London to York by train*
We champion train travel where practicable, and the short train journey from London to York is our preferred mode of transport between the two very popular English cities.
The advantages of travelling by train from London to York
- Choose the day and time that best suits you.
- Choose the route (there are several options available)
- Choose the correct ticket/Rail Pass for you.
- Choose your preferred class of travel.
- It is easy to walk around the train, stretch your legs, and use the washroom facilities without extending your travel time.
- Train travel is often relaxing and enjoyable.
- It is an excellent way to see the countryside and many varied towns and villages etc
- You can choose a fast, modern train or a slower train that stops at more stations on the way….the choice is yours!
Trains arrive at York Railway station, just a 10-15 minute walk into York’s main centre (or a short bus ride or taxi if you prefer).
Excellent hotel accommodation is available near the city centre and the railway station.
There is a left luggage option available a few minutes walk from the railway station if you arrive in York early and need it before you can access your accommodation.
East Coast Mainline (ECML) London King’s Cross Station to York
The East Coast Mainline is the name of the train line from London King’s Cross train station. It travels up the east side of the UK to York Railway Station (hence the name!)
This is the most popular and the most direct route from London.
Train Operators are LNER (London North Eastern Railway) and Grand Central. Both have the approximate fastest travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes; a single journey costs around £35 and returns £80 (correct at the time of writing, June 2024).
Cross-Country (via Birmingham New Street or Derby)
Via Birmingham
- This is the train line from Birmingham New Street train station, travelling up through the middle of England to York. This train line then joins the ECML, where many passengers travel on to Edinburgh in Scotland after exploring York.
- Alternative routes to Birmingham are available via the West Coast Main Line from London Euston (and then the Birmingham line) or the Chiltern train line from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street train station. A short walk, well signposted, then to Birmingham New Street.
- London Euston to Birmingham New Street – Train Operators are Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains. Journey times vary between 1h17 and 2h18, depending on service. Costs vary on the day/time of travel.
- Birmingham New Street to York on Cross-Country Trains. Fastest train, 1h 49 minutes.
- Tickets/Railcards and Passes – As above for the East Coast Mainline.
Via Derby
- Another alternative is to head to Derby on the Midland Mainline line from London St Pancras station (also known as the East Midlands Route), then join a train and travel on the Cross Country Line via York Station to Edinburgh.
- These are not the fastest train routes, and they are not the quickest or most direct train services to York. However, this is a popular option for visitors who wish to enjoy a trip through the industrial heartland of England, including towns and countryside along the way.
- London St Pancras to Derby or Sheffield – Train Operators – East Midlands Trains. The journey time to Derby is approximately 1h30, and it takes approximately 2 hours to get to Sheffield.
- Change at Derby or Sheffield for trains to York. Cross-country trains from Derby and Northern, Transpennine Express, and Cross Country operate to York from Sheffield. Journey times vary. Refer to the individual company website for more information.
- Tickets/Railcards and Passes – As above for the ECML.
*Note – The highlighted train operators are the principal train operators on these train routes as of June 2024. Other operators are available but do not necessarily cover the entire train route between London and York.
Train tickets – railcards – and passes
- Train Tickets – The best deal on train tickets is often the first displayed or highlighted when using online ticket retailer websites such as National Rail Enquiries or The Trainline and with individual train operating companies or Open Access companies.
- Train Ticket – Options include (Generic Terms):
- Advance Train Tickets – Sold in limited numbers in advance (around 8 to 12 weeks from the day of travel) and subject to availability. Not all advance tickets are released for general sale simultaneously and in the same numbers. Date and train specific.
- Off-Peak – This option is available for off-peak travel only (specific to individual companies) but can be bought anytime.
- Anytime – Any travel time or day. Buy any time.
- Season train ticket – Unlimited travel between 2 stations for a specific time. (Need a UK postal address, usually for UK commuters).
- Click for ticket prices on TheTrainLine.com or the National Rail Enquiries.
- NOTE: Individual train companies and Ticket Retailers MAY have their own ticketing structures or terminology.
- UK National Railcards – Up to 1/3 off fares with national railcards. Apply for 12 months (or 36 months for selected options, e.g. Family & Friends and Seniors, TwoTogether). The card costs around £30 per card but can have travel restrictions, e.g. travel off-peak only.
- NOTE: Check each different card, including terms and conditions.
- The physical card can be posted to postal addresses in the UK only or purchased upon arrival at most mainline train stations, including some airports – though not Heathrow Airport.
- Digital options can be bought online before travel but check terms and conditions.
- NOTE: Digital Railcards can be stored on two different devices.
➡️ More information about UK Railcards and Top Tips on Saving Money on UK Trains.
- Britrail Pass – An excellent alternative for overseas travellers visiting the UK intending to travel around frequently using trains.
- Offers – A good option choice for area-specific passes and families. Has consecutive or flexible durations available.
- NOTE: There are 5 Different Britrail Passes available. Check that you have the right one for your travel itinerary plans.
- Read more about the BritRail Pass
- Global Eurail – Similar to Britrail, it also has continuous or flexible duration options.
- Read our article BritRail versus Global Eurail to determine which is best for your needs.
UK Train Travel Guide Ebook
How to get from London to York by coach
The buses or coaches that travel between the two popular cities generally depart from London Victoria Coach Station for National Express and Megabus and arrive at York Railway Station.
- National Express has multiple daily services but only one or two direct services; others require a bus change in Leeds. The fastest journey time is around 5 hours 25 minutes for the direct service, which costs around £16 per adult.
- The mega-bus has one or two daily services. The journey time is around 6 hours with a transfer (change) in Leeds. It costs £20 per adult.
- Fexibus has one daily service with a change at Manchester Shudehill Interchange. The journey time is around 12 hours, costing approximately £26 per adult.
- These are generally the cheapest forms of travel. They also take around 9 ½ hours, depending on roads/weather, etc. The amount of luggage taken can be restrictive. You can break your journey up with this option.
- Click here for ticket prices for National Express Coaches via TheTrainLine.com or Omio for ticket prices for Megabus and Fexibus.
How to travel from London to York by rental car
While this is an option, we advise picking up a hire car OUTSIDE of London. Driving in London is very stressful, and with traffic congestion, the time it takes to get out of London can be lengthy.
The most direct road route from London to York is around 200 miles (354 km). Depending on the day/time and starting point, allow 4 to 5 hours.
Car hire allows flexibility in a travel itinerary but requires budgeting for additional costs, including insurance, petrol, and car parking charges.
If you have not driven in the UK before, we recommend Tripiamo, an online resource that prepares North Americans to drive in the UK through its online guides.
Listen to episode #12 of the UKTP podcast, where we chat with founder John Cortese about Tripiamo.
🚗 London to York by private transfer
Another option to consider is to book a private transfer between London and York – this could be simply with a driver or you could explore the option of booking a private transfer with a tour company who will take you on a tour along the way (the perfect way to make the most of our time.
For a car transfer, we recommend XFA Cars.
We recommend contacting Andrew of Expedition Yorkshire for a private driver-guided tour option.
How will you travel from London to York?
So there you have it – the various options to travel from London to York (or, of course, how to get from York to London if you travel the opposite way!)
We highly recommend stopping off if you travel by car (less so for the short train journey between London and York). The Peak District is an ideal choice, though there are many more!
🎧 Listen to next
- Episode 3 – Visiting York
- Episode 17 – Introduction to Expedition Yorkshire
- Episode 64 – Best Day Trips from York.
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