Are you planning a trip from York to London and wondering how long it will take by train? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
The travel time can vary depending on several factors such as the type of train, the route, and the time of day. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Types of Trains
There are two types of trains that run between York and London – high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are operated by LNER (London North Eastern Railway) and are called Azuma trains.
They’re known for their speed and comfort, with onboard amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. The regular trains, on the other hand, are operated by CrossCountry and take longer to reach their destination.
High-Speed Trains
The Azuma trains run between York and London every hour, with an average journey time of 1 hour 50 minutes. These trains make limited stops along the way, which means they’re faster than regular trains. You can check the LNER website for specific departure times and ticket prices.
Regular Trains
If you’re looking for a cheaper option or don’t mind a longer journey time, then taking a regular train might be your best bet. CrossCountry operates several services between York and London throughout the day, with an average journey time of around 2 hours 30 minutes. These trains make more stops along the way, which makes them slower but also more affordable.
Routes
The route taken by the train can also affect how long your journey will take. Both LNER and CrossCountry operate different routes between York and London that have varying journey times.
LNER Route
The LNER route takes you from York to London via Doncaster, Newark Northgate, Grantham, Stevenage, and Finsbury Park. This route is the fastest option and takes around 1 hour 50 minutes.
CrossCountry Route
The CrossCountry route takes you from York to London via Leeds, Wakefield Westgate, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham New Street, Banbury, Oxford, and Reading. This route is longer and takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Time of Day
Finally, the time of day can also affect your journey time. Trains during peak hours tend to be busier and may take longer due to congestion on the tracks. If you’re traveling during off-peak hours or on weekends, you may be able to find faster services.
Conclusion
In summary, the train journey from York to London can take anywhere from 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the type of train you take, the route you choose, and the time of day. We recommend checking online for specific departure times and ticket prices so that you can plan your journey accordingly. Safe travels!