The London to Leeds train route is one of the busiest long-distance rail corridors in England, connecting the capital with West Yorkshire via the East Coast Main Line. Fast, frequent services operate throughout the day, making train travel the easiest way to reach Leeds from London.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~2 hours 11 minutes
- Typical journey time: 2h 15m – 2h 35m
- Distance: ~185 miles (298 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: 3–4 trains per hour
- Main operators: LNER, Lumo (selected services)
2. Departure and Arrival Stations
London King’s Cross
Most London to Leeds trains depart from London King’s Cross. For station facilities and connections, see the London King’s Cross Station Guide.
Leeds Station
Leeds Station is a major hub in West Yorkshire with excellent onward connections. See the Leeds Station Guide for more details.
3. Route Highlights
Services typically run via:
- Peterborough
- Doncaster
- York (on some services)
The route uses modern electric trains capable of high-speed running.
4. Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi on most trains
- Power sockets at seats
- Air-conditioned carriages
- Food and drink available on LNER services
- First Class available with larger seats and complimentary refreshments
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak: Weekday mornings and evenings
- Off-peak: Late morning, midday and evening
- Weekends: Popular for leisure travel
6. Ticket Tips
- Book Advance tickets early for the lowest fares
- Railcards save up to 33%
- Lumo services can be cheaper on selected departures
- Consider First Class upgrades on quieter trains
7. Useful Connections
- For the return journey, see the Leeds to London Train Guide.
- Travelling north? Check the London to Edinburgh Train Guide.
- Heading to Yorkshire cities, see the Manchester to Leeds Train Guide.
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Fast city-centre to city-centre travel
- No airport transfers or long security queues
- Comfortable seating with space to work or relax
- Frequent departures throughout the day
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.