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Trains to York
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Make a date with the North’s original capital – where history meets creativity
From Roman settlement to Viking invasion to the Wars of the Roses, York has history within every inch of its ancient walls.
But it’s not all about the past—York is a city that keeps evolving. As the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts, it’s a hub for creativity, hosting dazzling light festivals, digital art installations, and a thriving cultural scene.
Enjoy boutique shopping in streets that combine medieval ambience with modern style. Or if that's not your bag, you could just sample real ales in one of the many olde English pubs.
Plus, when you join LNER Perks you'll get £5 free and 2% credit back every time you travel with us.
Population
153,717
Fact About York
The International Ghost Research Foundation has declared York the most haunted city in Europe
Popular trains to York
These percentages were calculated using our Carbon Calculator.
Things to do in York
Whether you're looking for inspiration before you book your ticket to York or you're already on the train, our handy guide is here to help.
Create your own adventure with the best of York's unique highlights, or watch our Only In York video for even more inspiration!
Let the medieval Shambles charm your socks off
The Shambles is an ancient cobbled street that looks captivating on even the dullest winter day. Dating back to the Domesday Book, its nooks and crannies will charm your socks off.
Its leaning timber-framed buildings were once home to as many as 26 butchers in medieval times. That’s a lot of meat! York obviously wasn’t a great place to be a vegetarian in the olden days.
Today, the street has much more variety, filled with quirky boutiques, quaint cafes and artisan food shops.
The Shambles
Get goose bumps at the magnificent York Minster
You have to pay to get into the minster, but it doesn’t cost a penny to stand outside and admire it. The architectural magnificence really tugs at the heart strings.
One of the UK’s greatest historical buildings, this Gothic masterpiece is incredibly old too – the last stone was laid in the 1400s.
If you do want to step inside, lots of treasures await. The Undercroft takes you on a 2,000-year journey through interactive chambers beneath the Minster. You can also climb the 275 steps up the Central Tower for life-affirming views of York.
York Minster
Step aboard a wartime hospital – on a train
Ambulance trains did a sterling job during the First World War, transporting millions of sick and injured troops to hospital. They were pretty much like a mini-hospital packed onto a train.
To show its appreciation, the National Railway Museum has recreated a lifelike ambulance carriage, complete with ward, pharmacy and nurses’ mess room.
You can share in the stories of the staff and passengers through letters, diaries, photos and drawings. Be warned – some of them are incredibly moving.
Other famous trains include the slinky looking Mallard – still the world’s fastest steam train despite setting the record in the 1930s!
National Railway Museum
Let the medieval Shambles charm your socks off
The Shambles is an ancient cobbled street that looks captivating on even the dullest winter day. Dating back to the Domesday Book, its nooks and crannies will charm your socks off.
Its leaning timber-framed buildings were once home to as many as 26 butchers in medieval times. That’s a lot of meat! York obviously wasn’t a great place to be a vegetarian in the olden days.
Today, the street has much more variety, filled with quirky boutiques, quaint cafes and artisan food shops.
The ShamblesGet goose bumps at the magnificent York Minster
You have to pay to get into the minster, but it doesn’t cost a penny to stand outside and admire it. The architectural magnificence really tugs at the heart strings.
One of the UK’s greatest historical buildings, this Gothic masterpiece is incredibly old too – the last stone was laid in the 1400s.
If you do want to step inside, lots of treasures await. The Undercroft takes you on a 2,000-year journey through interactive chambers beneath the Minster. You can also climb the 275 steps up the Central Tower for life-affirming views of York.
York MinsterStep aboard a wartime hospital – on a train
Ambulance trains did a sterling job during the First World War, transporting millions of sick and injured troops to hospital. They were pretty much like a mini-hospital packed onto a train.
To show its appreciation, the National Railway Museum has recreated a lifelike ambulance carriage, complete with ward, pharmacy and nurses’ mess room.
You can share in the stories of the staff and passengers through letters, diaries, photos and drawings. Be warned – some of them are incredibly moving.
Other famous trains include the slinky looking Mallard – still the world’s fastest steam train despite setting the record in the 1930s!
National Railway Museum
Tours in York
See the best of what York has to off with one of these walking tours around the city.
Selfie Trail York
Want to take snaps of some of York’s most iconic sights? This selfie trail is ideal for social media specialists who want to Instagram their way past cathedrals, Viking monuments and city walls. All you need is the map and you’re ready to go without paying a penny.
How to get there: Starts at the train station.
Selfie Trail York
The Bloody Tour of York
The city has some terrible tales to tell, and this tour will fill you in on all the grisly bits, Join Mad Alice as she relates blood curdling stories of torture, execution and famous residents such as Guy Fawkes on this fun tour that’s still okay for the family.
How to get there: If you’re meeting Alice straight off the train, it’s a 15-minute walk into the city.
The Bloody Tour of York
Treasure Hunt York
Here's a fun way to explore the city. You’re given a series of clues which can only be solved by following a map. Take your own good time and stop off for drinks along the way: it’s probably the most relaxing way to uncover the many secrets York has to share.
How to get there: Your journey starts in the city centre, 15 minutes from the station but the rest of the tour is your choice.
Treasure Hunt York
Selfie Trail York
Want to take snaps of some of York’s most iconic sights? This selfie trail is ideal for social media specialists who want to Instagram their way past cathedrals, Viking monuments and city walls. All you need is the map and you’re ready to go without paying a penny.
How to get there: Starts at the train station.
Selfie Trail YorkThe Bloody Tour of York
The city has some terrible tales to tell, and this tour will fill you in on all the grisly bits, Join Mad Alice as she relates blood curdling stories of torture, execution and famous residents such as Guy Fawkes on this fun tour that’s still okay for the family.
How to get there: If you’re meeting Alice straight off the train, it’s a 15-minute walk into the city.
The Bloody Tour of YorkTreasure Hunt York
Here's a fun way to explore the city. You’re given a series of clues which can only be solved by following a map. Take your own good time and stop off for drinks along the way: it’s probably the most relaxing way to uncover the many secrets York has to share.
How to get there: Your journey starts in the city centre, 15 minutes from the station but the rest of the tour is your choice.
Treasure Hunt York
Shopping in York
York has plenty of options for those who like their high street names and big brand labels as well as the quirkier independent stores dotted around the city.
Coppergate Centre
The site of the famous JORVIK Viking Centre also allows you to carry out some sneaky raids on a great collection of shops. Take a stroll in the open air as you look through the various windows, but be sure to look up through the summer to see the monthly themed umbrella walk.
How to get there: Right in the middle of York, Coppergate is easily accessible from the train station after you've made the 15-minute walk into the city.
Coppergate Centre
York Designer Outlet
Visit the outlet to find over 100 big brands in one place such as Nike, Kurt Geiger and Cath Kidston. There are also plenty of discounts on offer in this out-of-town venue. Free parking, a children's play area and a spacious food court make it the ideal day out for shopaholics.
How to get there: You’ll need to either use the Park and Ride bus or drive to reach the outlet once you arrive in York.
York Designer Outlet
The York Ghost Merchants
For a truly individual gift, why not buy a ghost? Each of these hand crafted, exquisitely packaged items would look great on any shelf in any home. The shop itself seeps history from its walls and is a must-visit destination when you visit the most haunted city in the world.
How to get there: You’ll find the shop, which was built in 1780, located at number 6 Shambles, unarguably York’s prettiest street. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station.
The York Ghost Merchants
The Potions Cauldron York
Where else in the world would you find a potions shop but York? The perfect place to find a gift for the Harry Potter fan in your life, it’s a magic location where you can also visit the secret potion room that embodies over 700 years of York history.
How to get there: The shop is also based in the Shambles in the city centre where you’ll enjoy a retail experience like no other. Again, it's a quarter of an hour from the station if you walk.
The Potions Cauldron
York Gin
York Gin uses traditional and sustainable methods to make some of the world’s best gins. Winners of gold medals at the world’s top spirits competitions. Inspired by York’s incredible 2,000-year past. York Gin is ‘History in the Tasting’. Enjoy free tasters and buy gin gift sets, along with a range of gorgeous souvenirs, gifts and mementoes - made sustainably by York craftspeople.
How to get there: You’ll find the famous timber-framed shop, dating back to the 16th Century, on Pavement, opposite the famous Shambles. A 15-minute amble from the station.
York Gin
Browns York
After trading for more than a century, Browns knows what it takes to offer a luxurious shopping experience. In between perusing quality items of all shapes and sizes, why not take a break at Browns Teahouse for some cake and caffeine before getting back to the retail reverie?
How to get there: If you’ve got time on your hands, you can take a 15-minute walk to Browns from the station before your train trip home.
Browns
Fenwick York
Take advantage of the concierge service at this brilliant department store that has everything from top notch fashion labels to a toy department that will bring back happy childhood memories, everything is personal, everything is luxurious with this Best of British experience that makes old-fashioned feel like something new.
How to get there: Based in the Coppergate Centre, you’ll need to take a 20-minute stroll into York from the station to see what's on offer.
Fenwick
Molton Brown York
If scents are your thing, then no trip to York is complete without a fragrant tour of Molton Brown, a truly sophisticated haven for those who love personal products with a classy edge. Forget online, there’s nothing to beat choosing your perfumed items in person especially when the service and style is so strong.
How to get there: Davygate is just over the river meaning it’s a 12-minute walk from York station.
Molton Brown
Coppergate Centre
The site of the famous JORVIK Viking Centre also allows you to carry out some sneaky raids on a great collection of shops. Take a stroll in the open air as you look through the various windows, but be sure to look up through the summer to see the monthly themed umbrella walk.
How to get there: Right in the middle of York, Coppergate is easily accessible from the train station after you've made the 15-minute walk into the city.
Coppergate CentreYork Designer Outlet
Visit the outlet to find over 100 big brands in one place such as Nike, Kurt Geiger and Cath Kidston. There are also plenty of discounts on offer in this out-of-town venue. Free parking, a children's play area and a spacious food court make it the ideal day out for shopaholics.
How to get there: You’ll need to either use the Park and Ride bus or drive to reach the outlet once you arrive in York.
York Designer OutletThe York Ghost Merchants
For a truly individual gift, why not buy a ghost? Each of these hand crafted, exquisitely packaged items would look great on any shelf in any home. The shop itself seeps history from its walls and is a must-visit destination when you visit the most haunted city in the world.
How to get there: You’ll find the shop, which was built in 1780, located at number 6 Shambles, unarguably York’s prettiest street. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station.
The York Ghost MerchantsThe Potions Cauldron York
Where else in the world would you find a potions shop but York? The perfect place to find a gift for the Harry Potter fan in your life, it’s a magic location where you can also visit the secret potion room that embodies over 700 years of York history.
How to get there: The shop is also based in the Shambles in the city centre where you’ll enjoy a retail experience like no other. Again, it's a quarter of an hour from the station if you walk.
The Potions CauldronYork Gin
York Gin uses traditional and sustainable methods to make some of the world’s best gins. Winners of gold medals at the world’s top spirits competitions. Inspired by York’s incredible 2,000-year past. York Gin is ‘History in the Tasting’. Enjoy free tasters and buy gin gift sets, along with a range of gorgeous souvenirs, gifts and mementoes - made sustainably by York craftspeople.
How to get there: You’ll find the famous timber-framed shop, dating back to the 16th Century, on Pavement, opposite the famous Shambles. A 15-minute amble from the station.
York GinBrowns York
After trading for more than a century, Browns knows what it takes to offer a luxurious shopping experience. In between perusing quality items of all shapes and sizes, why not take a break at Browns Teahouse for some cake and caffeine before getting back to the retail reverie?
How to get there: If you’ve got time on your hands, you can take a 15-minute walk to Browns from the station before your train trip home.
BrownsFenwick York
Take advantage of the concierge service at this brilliant department store that has everything from top notch fashion labels to a toy department that will bring back happy childhood memories, everything is personal, everything is luxurious with this Best of British experience that makes old-fashioned feel like something new.
How to get there: Based in the Coppergate Centre, you’ll need to take a 20-minute stroll into York from the station to see what's on offer.
FenwickMolton Brown York
If scents are your thing, then no trip to York is complete without a fragrant tour of Molton Brown, a truly sophisticated haven for those who love personal products with a classy edge. Forget online, there’s nothing to beat choosing your perfumed items in person especially when the service and style is so strong.
How to get there: Davygate is just over the river meaning it’s a 12-minute walk from York station.
Molton Brown
Hotels in York
There's so much to see and do in York. Book a hotel room for a night or two to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Travelodge York Central
Put yourself in the thick of the action at the always brilliant value Travelodge. There are four to choose from in the city, but the York Central address is best placed for those who just want to head for their comfy king size bed after a busy day of sightseeing.
How to get there: There’s a picturesque 20-minute walk from the station to the hotel but the taxi is always an option.
Travelodge York Central
Vas’ York House
This classic bed and breakfast offers a garden and free Wi-Fi in addition to a comfortable room that’s within a very short distance of the places you want to visit. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the large screen TVs also come with Netflix for some late-night chilling.
How to get there: A handy 11-minute walk from the station will see you safely ensconced in your temporary new home.
Vas’ York House
Ibis York Centre
Right next to the Jorvik Viking Centre you’ll find 2-star comfort at a hotel that offers a neat line of hospitality with a stylish 24-hour restaurant and a bar where you can play a traditional game of billiards. Only a few minutes from York Minster, you’re also just 20 minutes away from the racecourse if you fancy a flutter.
How to get there: Your hotel is 600m from the station so it’s perfect for those who want to save money on transport.
Ibis York Centre
Judges Court Hotel
Go on the website and just check out the rooms. Your followers will think that you’re staying in a palace packed with luxurious features and individual touches. It also happens to be the old court where Dick Turpin was tried so beyond your room there’s much to investigate and photograph.
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the station over the river will bring you to this historical and beautiful hotel.
Judges Court Hotel
Moxy York
From the historical to the hi-tech. The Moxy in York just looks plain cool from the hip open lobby with its state-of-the-art video wall to the contemporary furniture and connected up rooms that will provide you with some eye-catching imagery and suitably moody lighting.
How to get there: Located in the heart of York, just 5 minutes from The Shambles, it’s about 20 minutes from the station to get there.
Moxy York
Elmbank Hotel
Visit the Elmbank for the exquisite rooms and atmospheric Peacock Bar. But also get your camera phone out for the surrounding cobbled streets, charming shops and bars drawn straight from a Dickensian film set. You won’t stop snapping during your visit.
How to get there: Take a right out of the station and it's an easy 12-minute walk to the hotel.
Elmbank Hotel
Gray’s Court Hotel
Enjoy genuine five-star luxury with gourmet food, rejuvenating spas and the fluffiest slippers in town. The Grand truly lives up to its name and offers a range of great packages to make the experience even better for couples and families.
How to get there: Enjoy their luxury of a very short walk from the station to reach The Grand. You’re almost there as soon as you arrive.
The Grand, York
Travelodge York Central
Put yourself in the thick of the action at the always brilliant value Travelodge. There are four to choose from in the city, but the York Central address is best placed for those who just want to head for their comfy king size bed after a busy day of sightseeing.
How to get there: There’s a picturesque 20-minute walk from the station to the hotel but the taxi is always an option.
Travelodge York CentralVas’ York House
This classic bed and breakfast offers a garden and free Wi-Fi in addition to a comfortable room that’s within a very short distance of the places you want to visit. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the large screen TVs also come with Netflix for some late-night chilling.
How to get there: A handy 11-minute walk from the station will see you safely ensconced in your temporary new home.
Vas’ York HouseIbis York Centre
Right next to the Jorvik Viking Centre you’ll find 2-star comfort at a hotel that offers a neat line of hospitality with a stylish 24-hour restaurant and a bar where you can play a traditional game of billiards. Only a few minutes from York Minster, you’re also just 20 minutes away from the racecourse if you fancy a flutter.
How to get there: Your hotel is 600m from the station so it’s perfect for those who want to save money on transport.
Ibis York CentreJudges Court Hotel
Go on the website and just check out the rooms. Your followers will think that you’re staying in a palace packed with luxurious features and individual touches. It also happens to be the old court where Dick Turpin was tried so beyond your room there’s much to investigate and photograph.
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the station over the river will bring you to this historical and beautiful hotel.
Judges Court HotelMoxy York
From the historical to the hi-tech. The Moxy in York just looks plain cool from the hip open lobby with its state-of-the-art video wall to the contemporary furniture and connected up rooms that will provide you with some eye-catching imagery and suitably moody lighting.
How to get there: Located in the heart of York, just 5 minutes from The Shambles, it’s about 20 minutes from the station to get there.
Moxy YorkElmbank Hotel
Visit the Elmbank for the exquisite rooms and atmospheric Peacock Bar. But also get your camera phone out for the surrounding cobbled streets, charming shops and bars drawn straight from a Dickensian film set. You won’t stop snapping during your visit.
How to get there: Take a right out of the station and it's an easy 12-minute walk to the hotel.
Elmbank HotelGray’s Court Hotel
Enjoy genuine five-star luxury with gourmet food, rejuvenating spas and the fluffiest slippers in town. The Grand truly lives up to its name and offers a range of great packages to make the experience even better for couples and families.
How to get there: Enjoy their luxury of a very short walk from the station to reach The Grand. You’re almost there as soon as you arrive.
The Grand, York
What's on
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 the 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 Musical Routes
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.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
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 the 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 Musical RoutesNothing 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.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
How to save on LNER train tickets
Cheap tickets
We know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Book cheap train ticketsJoin LNER Perks
Did you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Join LNER Perks nowSave 1/3 with a Railcard
Looking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Railcards
Cheap tickets
We know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Book cheap train ticketsJoin LNER Perks
Did you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Join LNER Perks nowSave 1/3 with a Railcard
Looking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Railcards
*Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.
Related FAQs
Which rail lines go through York?
Which rail lines go through York?
York station is managed by LNER, and the main train lines running through it are LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Trains, Grand Central, and TransPennine Express.
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
We don't offer a student discount however, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard and save 1/3 on train tickets.
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Cancelled train
In the rare event that your train is cancelled, we offer full refunds (assuming you don't take an alternative train). Be sure to apply for the refund within 28 days of the cancelled journey date.
If you meet these conditions, follow these steps for your refund:
- Swipe down the page and click on ‘Amend journey’ or ‘Request a refund’
- Notify us of the reason for the refund request by pressing 'My train was cancelled' and then ‘Continue’
- Enter your details and submit your request
Already collected your tickets or had them posted to you?
If you’ve already received your printed tickets, you'll need to fill in our Change of Plans form and follow the instructions included.
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
On our Delay Repay page, you can learn about compensation if your train is delayed. For future LNER journeys, book through our website or app, then choose One-Click Delay Repay to ensure claiming for a delayed journey is as easy as possible.
