Journey planner: Getting to York

When planning your trip to York train station, it helps to know about the on-site facilities, travel routes, and other public transport options available - plus the must-see attractions that make this medieval city so special. This guide will help you get the most from your visit and show you how to find your way around the station and York city centre with ease.

How to get to York train station

York Station is a major rail hub, strategically located in the heart of northern England on the main line between London and Edinburgh. Its central position makes it easy for passengers to connect to other major cities like Leeds, London, and Edinburgh.

Type ‘my location to York Station’ into Google to find the easiest way to get there from your home, train station, or any other starting point. See Grand Central’s most popular routes for more information on train journeys to and from York Station.

Public transport near York train station

Once arriving at York train station, there’s no shortage of public transport options to choose from, should you need to travel to a location within the city or further afield.

York buses

Unlike many other towns and cities, York doesn’t have a main bus station due to the historic layout of the city centre. Instead, bus stops are located at several city centre interchanges. York arrivals will find the railway bus station interchange on Station Road, just outside the station. Lined with bus stops, it’s here that you can catch the right bus for your onward journey.

York Taxis

For taxis, York arrivals should head to the main entrance of York Station, where the taxi rank is located immediately to the left on Station Road. If you would prefer to book a taxi in advance, below are some useful York contact numbers for trusted taxi services:

• Station Taxis: 01904 623 332
• Streamline Taxis York: 01904 656565
• Getaway Cars: 01904 707070 

Exploring York on foot

York train station sits just outside the City Walls, placing you within easy walking distance of countless shops, restaurants and sightseeing spots. When exiting York station, turn left and follow the pathway around and over the bridge crossing the river - you’ll arrive in the centre of the city within just 10 minutes.

From there, York’s historic landmarks, bustling shopping streets, and lively cafés are all within close reach. For directions to York’s hotspots, grab a York map and any relevant tourist information leaflets from the station’s information point, and you’ll find your way around the city in no time
 

Things to do in York

More than just a stop on the network, York Train Station is a gateway to a city brimming with history, heritage, and culture. Discover some of the best attractions to visit, below.

National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive collection of historic locomotives and railway memorabilia that will keep kids and adults entertained for hours.

York Minister

Located around a mile from York station, the iconic York Minster is one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals and is a pivotal part of York’s identity. Beyond its stunning architecture, it has remained a major place of worship for centuries, and is well worth a look around.

JORVIK Viking Centre

Visit the JORVIK Viking Centre, located on the site of one of York’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Take a ride on a slow-moving carriage and journey through reconstructed Viking-age streets, brought to life with animatronic figures, sounds and even smells that are reminiscent of the time. It’s an excellent visitor spot for both kids and adults.

The Shambles

A quaint little shopping district, the Shambles cobble streets are packed with quirky boutiques, including chocolatiers, gin distilleries, bespoke gift shops and much more. If you feel like taking a lunch break mid-shop, step into one of the city’s oldest medieval pubs, dating back to the 14th century, and enjoy hearty pub food while taking in the old-worldly surroundings.

Amenities at York train station

York Train Station offers a range of amenities to keep you refreshed, fuelled, and prepared for the next leg of your journey.

Ticket machines

There is no ticket office at York train station, but there are plenty of ticket machines available to purchase or collect your tickets.
 

Train station accessibility

York Station is fully accessible, with step-free access platforms, lifts, level pathways, ramps, accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility located in the short-stay car park that’s accessible with a radar key upon request.

Waiting rooms

York offers a number of heated waiting rooms to keep you warm and comfortable while you wait for your train. Among them is the dedicated Family Lounge, located on the main concourse beside WHSmith. Inside, you’ll find a play zone inspired by York’s historic landmarks, complete with tabletop games and cosy hut-style seating for kids. The lounge also includes a thoughtfully designed breastfeeding area, providing comfort and privacy for breastfeeding mums.

First Class lounge

York is home to a First Class Lounge - the perfect place to relax or catch up on work before your train. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable and calming waiting area with a selection of complimentary refreshments and snacks to enjoy.

York parking

York Train Station has a short-stay car park with up to 30 spaces, priced from £3.50, for a maximum stay of one hour. For commuters, several dedicated car parks are available outside the station, though these require prebooking. Additional council-run car parks can also be found throughout the city centre.

Toilets

There are a number of toilets available at York Station. You will find the main toilets on the main concourse, next to Platform 2. There are also some toilets located between Platforms 7 and 9 and between Platforms 8 and 9.

Food and drink at York station

York station has a number of shops and cafes available on-site, should you need to grab a coffee or bite to eat. These include Costa, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Pret a Manger, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and the York Tap - a favourite spot among beer lovers. 

Free Wi-Fi

York Train Station provides free Wi-Fi on the main concourse, in waiting rooms, and on the platforms, enabling you to stay connected while waiting for your train.

Popular York departures and arrivals

York station connects a number of popular destinations up and down the UK. Some of the most popular routes include:

York to London King’s Cross

There are multiple departures throughout the day from York to London King’s Cross, offering flexibility for visits - whether you’re visiting for leisure or for a work trip.

York to Leeds

The train routes from York Train Station to Leeds, or Leeds Train Station to York are ideal for commuters, offering frequent daily services and a fast, convenient connection between the two cities.

York to Edinburgh

A popular route for tourists, the York to Edinburgh route offers a direct connection to Scotland’s scenic capital, making it easy to enjoy the city’s history, culture, and stunning surroundings.

York to Newcastle

A well-travelled route, the York to Newcastle line provides a direct link to the vibrant city that’s home to the Angel of the North, making it easy to explore its rich culture and lively nightlife.

Food and drink options around York train station

There are plenty of places to grab a quick bite, drink or relaxing meal near York train station.

Peachy’s Bar & Grill

Part of The Milner Hotel, Peachy’s is a relaxed bar and grill serving a variety of tasty dishes, perfect for a casual meal before or after your journey.

The Grand York

Although part of the prestigious hotel, The Grand’s restaurant welcomes non-staying guests. Enjoy afternoon tea or a sit-down meal in this elegant Edwardian setting while taking in beautiful views of York.

Partisan

Just a short walk from the station, Partisan serves some of the best coffee in town. Enjoy sweet treats and pastries to take away, or stay for breakfast, brunch or lunch in its cosy surroundings.

For more York tourist-related tips, take a look at our blog on sightseeing from York’s walls and book your train tickets today.