York to Leeds Trains From £2.30*

It might only be a short journey aboard a TransPennine Express service from York to Leeds, but it’s an enjoyable one. Trains run frequently via the Selby Line, offering views of the York countryside and farmlands, crossings of the River Derwent and stretches of rural North Yorkshire in a journey taking just 22 minutes

TransPennine Express is a reliable operator linking major Northern England destinations with fast, direct services. Trains run between York, Leeds, Manchester and onward to Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. TransPennine Express uses modern trains, boasting onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets. 

Departing from York 

York Station is located just outside the historic city walls on Station Road, a short walk from the city centre and close to major attractions, including the National Railway Museum and York Minster. 

From York, you can catch direct train services to key destinations including Leeds, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle. It's a major travel hub on the East Coast Main Line, making it well connected for both local travel and adventures further afield.

The main train operators serving York Station include LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Northern and Grand Central, offering a wide choice of routes and travel options.

Main stops

There are no stops between York and Leeds on the TransPennine Express service; the route goes directly from one to the other.

When you travel from York to Leeds on a Northern Railway service, you’ll stop at places like Ulleskelf, Micklefield and Garforth. The exact stops depend on the service, as some trains stop more than others.

There are no stops between York and Leeds if you choose a CrossCountry service.

Arriving at Leeds

Leeds Station is located on New Station Street, right beside City Square and close to Leeds’ shopping and business districts. It's easily accessed by tram, bus, taxi or on foot from nearby hotels and attractions.

From Leeds Station, you'll find frequent services to major destinations such as York, Manchester, London, Newcastle, Hull and Sheffield. Like York, Leeds also acts as a key hub on the East Coast Main Line.

Just outside the station, you can explore Trinity Leeds shopping centre, Leeds Art Gallery, Millennium Square and the Leeds Corn Exchange. Whether you're continuing your journey on and going further afield or you’re staying in the city, Leeds Station puts you in the heart of the action.

TransPennine Express train classes 

• Standard Class: When you travel from York to Leeds in Standard Class on TransPennine Express, you’ll have access to Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, power sockets and USB charging points on most trains. If you’re looking to buy cheap train tickets or you have a railcard to use, this is a cost-effective way to travel from York to Leeds via a reliable train. With a railcard, you can save up to one third on many routes.
• First Class: On TransPennine Express, York to Leeds First Class means extra space with reclining seats, more legroom, Wi-Fi, charging points, and you’ll be spending the journey in a quiet, relaxed carriage. Some services also include complimentary snacks and drinks. 

TransPennine Express train travel advice

Here’s what to expect when you’re travelling from York to Leeds on a TransPennine Express train service.

• Luggage - TransPennine Express allows luggage on board with dedicated racks for larger bags, and under seat space for smaller bags. Passengers are encouraged to be mindful of luggage size and quantity, especially during busy travel times.
• Bicycles - Bikes and e-bikes are permitted on TransPennine Express trains, but space is limited, especially on busy services. 
• Children - Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult, kids aged 5 to 15 get half-price fares, and family railcards offer further savings.
• Pets - You can travel from York to Leeds with up to two dogs for free, as long as they are kept on a lead. Smaller pets are also allowed, but they must be in a secure carrier and not on the seat.
• Passenger Assist - TransPennine Express provides assistance for passengers who need extra help boarding or navigating stations. It’s best to book this service in advance, though some help can be arranged on the day.

CrossCountry also runs services between York and Leeds. Like TransPennine Express and Northern, the train is direct and offers views of the countryside and surrounding villages.

CrossCountry boasts extensive services across its wide network including key routes through Yorkshire. It connects major cities such as York, Leeds and Sheffield, offering direct links to destinations in the Midlands, South West and Scotland. 

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: For affordable travel from York to Leeds, consider Standard Class with CrossCountry. You can enjoy comfortable seating, luggage storage, and on most services, access to plugs and Wi-Fi. If you have a railcard, you can save up to one third on your fare.
• First Class: Depending on the service, you might have the option to upgrade to a York to Leeds First Class service. This offers a quieter, more spacious journey with larger seats, extra legroom and a more relaxed atmosphere.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a CrossCountry train from York to Leeds.

• Luggage - Due to limited space on the trains, CrossCountry advises passengers to only bring one medium sized bag. Smaller items can be placed under your seat.
• Bicycles - Bikes are allowed on CrossCountry services, but space is limited. Each train has two bike spaces available to reserve in advance, with Voyager services offering an extra space.
• Children - Kids under 5 travel for free with CrossCountry, though they’re not guaranteed a seat. If you're travelling with children aged 5 to 15, a Family & Friends Railcard can save you money.
• Pets - You can bring up to two small pets on board a CrossCountry train at no extra cost. Dogs should be kept on a lead unless secured in a suitable carrier.
• Passenger Assist - CrossCountry provides a Passenger Assist service. If you need extra support during your journey, assistance can be booked in advance.

Like TransPennine Express and CrossCountry, Northern Railway operates direct trains between York and Leeds. The route offers scenic views of Yorkshire’s countryside, passing through a number of charming villages before arriving in Leeds. 

Northern Railway a major rail operator in the North of England, running thousands of daily services that connect hundreds of stations across the region. It offers a number of key routes across the area, linking York and Leeds as well as cities like Manchester, Newcastle, Hull and Sheffield. 

Northern Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Travelling from York to Leeds in Standard Class with Northern Railway offers a comfortable journey. Most trains provide free Wi-Fi, power sockets and spacious seating. If you're looking to buy cheap train tickets, or you’re planning to use a railcard, Northern Railway is an affordable and reliable way to get from A to B.
• First Class: Northern Railway doesn't offer First Class on this route, but you can buy cheap train tickets for Standard Class services.

Northern Railway train travel advice

Here’s what to expect when you’re travelling from York to Leeds on a Northern Railway train service.

• Luggage - Northern Railway allows you to bring luggage on board, but be mindful of the size and amount of luggage you bring, especially during peak times as there’s limited storage space.
• Bicycles - You can bring bikes and e-bikes on Northern Railway services, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Children - Children under 5 travel free on Northern Railway trains with a paying adult, and kids aged 5 to 15 get half-price fares. You can use family railcards to save even more.
• Pets - Northern Railway allows up to two dogs to travel free, as long as they’re on a lead and well behaved. Smaller pets can also be taken on Northern Railway trains, as long as they’re in a secure carrier.
• Passenger Assist - Northern offers assistance for passengers who need extra help boarding or navigating stations. It’s recommended to book assistance in advance if possible. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.