Trains to Leeds

Shopping, festivals, and epic countryside – there’s loads to love in Leeds

Whether you want to discover art while discovering Leeds or experience affordable but magnificent food – you can do it all in Leeds.

Some of our key routes to and from Leeds include trains to Doncaster, Harrogate, and London, trains to English destinations such as Newark-on-Trent, Peterborough, and Stevenage, as well as trains going north.

Cheap train tickets to Leeds from £31.20

Be fashionably early and book at least 3 weeks in advance to save on LNER trains from London to Leeds from only £31.20*.  With our high speed trains from Leeds to London, you can swap out the gridlock for a good book, and have the freedom to travel stress free with LNER.

*At least 10% of Standard Advance Single tickets available between London King's Cross and Leeds from £31.20 3 weeks to departure. Subject to availability for travel between 02.09.24- 30.11.2024.Monday to Friday excluding Bank holidays.

Population
455,123
Fact About Leeds
Sir Edmund Happold was born in Leeds in 1930 and grew up to design the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park Barracks, and more

Popular trains to Leeds

York to Leeds

Tuesday 12 Nov 2024
From
£6.70
7x greener than a car

London Kings Cross to Leeds

Thursday 14 Nov 2024
From
£24.90
7x greener than a car

Peterborough to Leeds

Wednesday 13 Nov 2024
From
£39.50
7x greener than a car

These percentages were calculated using our Carbon Calculator.

View more journeys

Plan your trip to Leeds

It’s been called the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ - only not as astronomically priced. But Leeds does offer enough chic shopping options to satisfy the most demanding retail therapist.

Whether you want to discover art while discovering Leeds or experience affordable but magnificent food – you can do it all in Leeds.

Whilst you're on your train to Leeds, National Rail and British DJ Jo Whiley invite you to explore Britain's musical roots via train. Use the Window Seater app for short audio guides narrating vibrant tales of Britain's musical history.

You could also take in test cricket at Headingley, enjoy the abundant nightlife or gaze on the sweeping vistas of the nearby Pennines. And a cheap train ticket takes you right to the heart of it all.

Plus, when you join LNER Perks you'll get £5 free and 2% credit back every time you travel with us.

Leeds Street Art Trail

The varied and distinctive pieces of art on the route tell the stories of Leeds and it’s local communities and are a symbol of the creative spirit within the city. With a wide range of striking murals and street art dotted all around the city centre, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore further out and about in Leeds and find some hidden treasures!

The Royal Armouries

What’s your weapon of choice? The Royal Armouries Museum In Leeds has over 75,000 objects from across the world covering the many things we’ve done to attack others and defend ourselves. From stunning armour to fabulous Shogun swords, this is an amazing free trip through history and craftsmanship.

Leeds Art Gallery

Forget fusty old exhibitions, Leeds Art Gallery puts the emphasis on modern and contemporary British art. As soon as you enter the light filled entrance hall, featuring works by artists such as Antony Gormley, you know you’re in for a visual feast. Time your free visit to enjoy one of the many events that take place at the Gallery.

Days out in Leeds under £20

Going away for the weekend in Leeds doesn’t have to break the bank. From the tastiest street food to inspiring street art – here are a few budget friendly places we recommend checking out on your next trip away with LNER.

Junk Yard Crazy Golf

It’s the craziest golf in Yorkshire. There are three 9-hole courses to play – navigate the Circus Fear-gound, clear up on the Polluted Paradise or go back in time on the 90s Garage Scrapyard. And why not grab one of their specialist cocktails at one of the many bars scattered around the place. It’s thirsty work playing golf!

Day Trips to Leeds

Leeds offers you a day trip packed with experiences.

Leeds Hidden Gems

Sometimes, it’s nice to do things a little differently. From hotpots to arty hotpots, here are a few things to see and do on your next LNER adventure that will make you feel like a local.

Leeds City Museum

With six galleries to choose from, Leeds City Museum is a treasure trove of curios, local history, global artefacts and a rotating selection of trips back in time. Whether its ancient mummies or massive extinct birds, this is one of the best free things to do in Leeds with kids.

Leeds Hidden Gems Food Tour

Want to try the food and drink the locals enjoy and the tourists usually ignore? You’ll get to sample some of Yorkshire’s finest flavours and check out some great pubs and the city market on this tour. If you like cheese, beer and traditional bars then you truly are in for a treat.

Visit Leeds with LNER

Experience the charm of Leeds with LNER and Visit Leeds, where the streets come alive with markets, shopping, museums and stunning scenery from the Yorkshire Dales.

2-hour highlights walking tour

Perfect for the urbanite with a love of architecture, this is the tour to discover the buildings and rich history of Leeds City Centre in the company of a qualified expert who will bring the bricks alive with stories from the past. The pace is gentle but make sure your shoes are comfortable.

Roundhay Park

This stunning area offers 700 acres of walks and things to do. Roundhay Park will eat up your time with its lakes, bird watching, open air swimming pool, cafe and even a mansion to tour around. The Chelsea Gardens offer the best in horticultural artistry and will inspire you to reinvent your own rockery.

Where to eat in Leeds

Leeds, a food lover's paradise, boasts a huge amount of dining options. From upscale establishments to hidden gems, the city offers an array of culinary delights for all the family.

Opens in a new window20% off Leeds guided food tour

From a fish finger sandwich enjoyed in the oldest pub in Leeds, to Indian street food in the covered markets, organic small plates and the best dessert spot in the city, you certainly won't go hungry.

Opens in a new windowRestaurant Bar & Grill

Dine like royalty in the Leeds’ old Post Office Building with architecture that doesn't need a filter to look fantastic. The walls are lined with glass cases filled with wine bottles. The dining hall is split over two levels with cabinets packed with everything required for amazing cocktails.

Opens in a new windowPatty Smith's Burgers

Who doesn’t enjoy a burger, especially at wallet-friendly prices? Patty Smith’s is all about stacking them high and packing them full of flavour. Tide yourself over while you wait with Patty’s Session Fries featuring a huge mound of chips topped with pancetta, chillies and plenty more.

Opens in a new windowTattu

Here’s a Tattu you won’t regret in the morning. If you’re looking for a place to eat where each dish will look like something off ‘Masterchef’, then you’re in the right place. Traditional flavours meet modern cooking methods in perfect harmony, finished off with exquisite presentation that creates something unique.

Opens in a new windowPieminister

Pieminister looks incredible on the inside and is easy on the insides of your piggy bank. A classic pie is just £8.50 with a fantastic rainbow of flavours to choose from including classic beef steak, a vegan and veggie option, or heart warming chicken editions. Love pie? Love saving money? You’ll love it here.

Opens in a new windowThe Ship

When it comes to old pubs in Leeds city centre, The Ship has a murky history but has a track record dating back the 1750s. Very small but very beautiful, the walls of this charming inn are covered with ship and sailing paraphernalia. A solid wooden bar with brass finishings is a great spot to order good beer and your favourite pub food.

Opens in a new windowNeighbourhood

There’s a little bit of New York in Neighbourhood, an incredible destination for Instagrammers in the heart of Leeds. The menu features tastes from all around the globe and is a great place to share some colourful cocktails with friends. Don’t forget to take a snap of the decadent walls whilst you’re there.

Where to shop in Leeds

Aladdins cave

This genuine treasure trove is a stunning place to find a gift or jewellery for yourself. The glass cabinets glitter with unique pieces crafted from a wide variety of stones and the slightly random nature of the collections makes the experience feel like an exciting journey rather than a standardised shopping trip.

Colours May Vary

If you love design and architecture then Colours May Vary is a place of worship offering inspirational books, publications and gift items that will please the eye and soul of any specialist. The casual visitor will also love the adjoining gallery and the chance to buy beautiful objects that can't be found anywhere else.

Trinity Leeds

Trinity can rightly claim to be Leeds’ premier shopping destination with all the big names you could want under one roof as well as a unique dining area called Trinity Kitchen where you can enjoy delicious street food from pop up vendors. Take a photo of the huge packhorse statue in the central court which pays tribute to the Leeds’ textile past.

Victoria Leeds

Victoria is a gorgeous shopping centre in the heart of the city that combines shopping and leisure, all housed in the beautiful restored Victorian arcade. There are plenty of high end stores for those who want to treat themselves and there’s even a casino if you fancy a flutter in between the browsing.

The Core

Situated off the main Headrow road in the city centre, this renovated shopping centre replaced a huge department store that stood for much of the 20th century but lives on through a more intimate experience with smaller shops amongst the light, bright space. The gym is a big plus for those who want a workout before they splash out.

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols is a goldmine for those looking for desirable labels or an ingredient for fine dining at home. There are four floors of retail paradise to enjoy from beauty on the first to vintage wine at the top where you’ll also find a brilliant food market. You know what to expect from the name and the shop delivers top quality every time.

Flannels

If you want classy then Flannels is near the top of the class. Carefully curated brands offer men and women the best in luxury fashion. Grab a personal shopper to guide you through the wares on offer then visit the art gallery on the top floor or the Michelin starred restaurant for a lunch you won't forget. This is a long way from your typical high street shop.

Where to stay in Leeds

Dakota Deluxe Hotel

Situated in the heart of the city, the Dakota Deluxe has a range of fashionable shop and top-notch restaurants right on its doorstep. Inside, it’s one of the most stylish hotels in Leeds – some say it resembles the unique décor of a private members’ club, so it’s definitely not lacking any character.

Malmaison Leeds

You can always rely on the Malmaison chain for exciting interiors and the one in Leeds is no different. From the moment you see the old transport building you know you’re in for a treat with vaulted ceilings, quirky rooms and eye catching food with stylish cocktails served in the classy brasserie.

Premier Inn Leeds City Centre

There’s always brilliant value to be found at a Premier Inn and the Leeds member of the family is perfect if you’re planning on catching a gig at the Arena or fancy a weekend of shopping. Spacious rooms, filling breakfasts and beds that compare to the luxury hotels means every penny is well spent.

The Chambers

Hiring an apartment doesn't mean you need to miss out on the style. The marble clad foyer, delightful courtyard and inviting library are just some of the highlights of this elegant collection of abodes. The apartments themselves look amazing and you’ll find plenty to keep your camera finger busy.

Th Bells Serviced Apartments

How about a serviced apartment with a hot tub and penthouse rooftop? Deep plush carpets, huge TVs or rose petals in your bed by request, anyone? You've found one of the swankiest places in Leeds to spend the night and you are most definitely worth it.

Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre

Choose from 112 rooms at this excellent hotel that provides the high standards of a Holiday Inn including a decent breakfast and a choice of family favourites in the downstairs restaurants. The rooms are excellent for the price and you won't be short of the mod cons you need to relax and recharge before your next Leeds adventure.

The Park Plaza

Upscale has never looked so good at the Park Plaza. Every one of the 187 rooms has class with the connoisseur likely to go for the Executive rooms proffering a double aspect view of the city below. A fitness centre and onsite Pan-Asian restaurant will make it even harder to leave.

What's on

Discover what's on with Data Thistle

Whether you're staying for a night or visiting for a week, Data Thistle has all the info you need on upcoming events to enjoy during your visit.

Nothing Beats Musical Routes

National Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.

Nothing beats Sporting routes

National Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.​

Book with confidence

Book together, save 20%
No booking fees, ever
Pick your own seats
One-click Delay Repay
£5 free with LNER Perks
2% back with LNER Perks
Greener choice
Book together, save 20%
No booking fees, ever
Pick your own seats