Visit York by Train
Find out about trains to York, how to get great discounts on your travel, and top offers on things to do when you get there
Welcome to York
In this beautiful historical city that sits at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, you will find breathtaking architecture, plenty of great restaurants and lively bars, the 13th century Gothic marvel that is York Minster(external link, opens in a new tab) and the famous medieval shopping street Shambles(external link, opens in a new tab).
Find out more about travelling to York by train below, along with everything you need to know about the town. Discover all the best things to do and places to visit in York – and don’t forget you can save money on your train travel with a Railcard(external link, opens in a new tab). And by taking the train you are also helping to lower carbon emissions(external link, opens in a new tab).
If you fancy travelling a bit further afield, you can also visit our Day Trips from York by Train page.
How to get to York by train
York has 1 station:
York: This is York’s main station. There are regular direct trains to and from many destinations, including Manchester, Liverpool, Halifax, Blackpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh. If you’re coming or going from London King’s Cross, there are direct services each day.
You can plan your York train journey, find the cheapest fares and book tickets online with our Journey Planner.
Fastest journey times to York by train
From | To | Journey time from* |
|---|---|---|
London | York | 1 hr 46 min |
Newcastle | York | 54 min |
Edinburgh | York | 2 hr 23 min |
Leeds | York | 22 min |
Manchester | York | 1 hr 31 min |
Birmingham | York | 1 hr 48 min |
Liverpool | York | 2 hr 9 min |
* Please note, some journeys will take longer and you may have to change trains
Get great offers on top York attractions
Visit National Rail’s Days Out Guide for more great offers when you travel by train.
2FOR1: City Cruises York
Escape the city rush and enjoy York from a different perspective with an entertaining and informative tour of the River Ouse
1/3 OFF: The York Dungeon
Delve into 2000 years of York’s darkest history with a unique immersive experience. It's hilarious, fun and sometimes a bit scary
2FOR1: Historical Gems Tour & a Taste of York Chocolate
Join your eccentric character guide and get an up-close walking tour experience of the city and its delightful hidden gems
More attractions in York
Visit York Castle Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) to see its collections of historic patchwork quilts and miniatures found in archaeological digs
Book tickets for York Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), with paintings spanning over 600 years, from Dutch masterpieces to works by the likes of LS Lowry and David Hockney
Step back into the past in Barley Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), a medieval house restored to its original glory
Take time to appreciate the stunning architecture of York Minster(external link, opens in a new tab), with its incredible stained-glass windows
Free things to do in York
Get trainspotting at the National Railway Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), located in an old engine shed, where you can celebrate the past, present and future of the railway in style
Walk along the historic City Walls(external link, opens in a new tab), which date make to medieval times, are 3.4 kilometres long and take around 2 hours to walk around
Enjoy some fresh air in York Museum Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), which are home to all kinds of wildlife, all set against the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey
Accessible York
If you require assistance for any part of your rail journey, please visit our Passenger Assist page to find out more
To search or browse accessible attractions, restaurants, hotels and more, visit the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab)
Theatre and shows in York
Visit the Grand Opera House(external link, opens in a new tab), built in 1868 and recently refurbished to a very high standard. Expect to see plays, musicals, comedy, ballet and live music
Watch a Shakespeare play or a modern production in the impressive York Theatre Royal(external link, opens in a new tab). The smaller Studio Theatre showcases up-and-coming writers – and there’s a great cafe
Be entertained at the Riding Lights Theatre Company(external link, opens in a new tab), founded in 1977 to show innovative, accessible theatre
Music in York
Find out all about the history of York’s Musical Routes with Jo Whiley’s audio guide
As the largest music venue in the city, York Barbican(external link, opens in a new tab) has hosted the likes of Little Mix and Manic Street Preachers and welcomes over 130,000 visitors a year
For a more intimate evening, visit The Vaults(external link, opens in a new tab), an independent, grassroots music venue that hosts new acts as well as tribute acts
Offering an all-day menu – you can eat on a roof terrace with amazing views of York Minster – The Habit(external link, opens in a new tab) is also a spot for live music and open mic nights
LGBTQI+ York
Every year, York hosts its annual Pride Festival(external link, opens in a new tab)
Check out the The Portal Bookshop(external link, opens in a new tab), which not only sells LGBTQI+ books, but can order books from around the world. Be sure to pop into Over the Rainbow(external link, opens in a new tab) cafe upstairs
The Family Shambles(external link, opens in a new tab) bills itself as ‘York Drag Family Extraordinaire’ and puts on Family Shambles Drag Bingo as well as an annual Pride after-show party
York in film and TV
York is a popular shooting location for many film and TV shows, including:
Castle Howard was used as a location in the first series of Bridgerton
The Crown filmed scenes in York Minster
Some of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed in York train station, which was also a location for Chariots of Fire
Find out more about York
Go to the Visit York website.(external link, opens in a new tab)
Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard
Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard
From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you
Buy yours today for just £30 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips!
Journey times and offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.
York Minster image credit: © York Minster
York Castle Museum image credit: © York Castle Museum
National Railway Museum image credit: © National Railway Museum
Accessible York image credit: © Visit York
York Opera House image credit: by robbophotos is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
York Barbican image credit: by vagueonthehow is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
LGBTQI+ York image credit: © The Portal Bookshop
Castle Howard image credit: © Castle Howard