How to Travel From London to York by Train
This guide explains how to travel from London to York by train, offers booking tips, and describes what the rail journey is actually like.
London to York by train
On the London–York route, you can choose from multiple daily train services operated by two different railway companies: LNER and Grand Central Railway.
LNER (London North Eastern Railway) operates the majority of services between London and York, with Grand Central Railway operating just a couple.
The fastest trains complete the journey from London to York in 1 hour and 46 minutes, although most services take around two hours.
All trains from London to York depart from London King’s Cross station in the British capital.
The main hall of London King’s Cross railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Trains at London King’s Cross station. ©AndyBTravels
How to book tickets
It’s best to book your British train tickets through the Transport for Wales (TfW) website, as it allows you to search and compare train services operated by all British railway companies.
The reason I consider TfW the best option, and it is my go-to website for booking British train tickets, is that it has an easy-to-use search engine and clearly displays all the information about the fare and train service you select.
This makes this website preferable above all others when it comes to comparing fares and booking tickets, in my opinion.
Even when travelling on routes that are not operated by TfW, such as London to York, I still consider its website the best option, as it allows you to easily compare fares for LNER and Grand Central Railway services.
Read the guide at DiscoverByRail for a short introduction to British train tickets and the difference between Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime fares.
Travel classes and seats
On both LNER and Grand Central Railway trains from London to York, both standard (second) and first class are available.
Standard class has seats in a 2+2 configuration, while first class is more spacious, with a 1+2 configuration.
In each carriage, you can find luggage racks for larger suitcases, as well as overhead racks above the seats for smaller items of baggage.
First class on British trains typically includes complimentary drinks, as well as a snack or light meal.
In standard class on long-distance trains, you can either visit the on-board bistro (if there is one) to buy something to take back to your seat, or purchase something from an on-board trolley service.
Of course, you are always free to bring your own food and drinks on British trains.
British long-distance trains offer optional seat reservations.
After buying your ticket, you can make a seat reservation, which is free of charge.
However, this is not always necessary, and many people simply board the train and take any unreserved seat.
If you board a train without a seat reservation, check the indicator above each seat to see whether it is reserved or still available.
Standard class (second class) seats on an LNER train. ©AndyBTravels
First class seats on an LNER train. ©AndyBTravels
Above each seat, you can find an electronic indicator showing whether or not it has been reserved. ©AndyBTravels
This seat has been reserved between London King’s Cross and York, but is available from York onwards, for example if you are taking this train from York to Newcastle. ©AndyBTravels
From London to York with LNER
My preferred way to travel between London and York is in first class on an LNER train.
First class with LNER gives you access to its station lounge at King’s Cross, which is a nice place to enjoy a tea or coffee and a small snack.
Another reason why I prefer LNER on this route is that you are always treated to a good-quality snack or light meal, as well as drinks whenever you travel in first class.
The journey between London and York is not among the most scenic railway lines in the UK, but it is nonetheless a pleasant ride.
If you prefer to work, the train has free Wi-Fi, and there are power sockets at all seats, whether you are travelling in first or standard class.
LNER lounge at London King’s Cross station. ©AndyBTravels
A London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train at King’s Cross station. ©AndyBTravels
First class seats on my LNER train from London to York. ©AndyBTravels
Complimentary food in first class on LNER. ©AndyBTravels
I enjoyed the falafel and hummus wrap. ©AndyBTravels
View from the train somewhere between London and York. ©AndyBTravels
The LNER train has arrived in York. ©AndyBTravels
York railway station
York railway station is one of the most beautiful stations in the UK, and you will instantly notice its distinctive curved platforms.
From the station, York’s old town and its many tourist attractions are just a few minutes away on foot.
York railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
The best way to travel from London to York is by train, with multiple departures every day operated by both LNER and Grand Central Railway.
The train journey from London to York takes around two hours and is quite pleasant.
If you travel in first class, you get a more spacious seat in a usually quieter environment, with snacks and drinks included free of charge.
