How do I get cheap Leeds to London train tickets?

Planning a trip from Leeds, the vibrant heart of Yorkshire, to the Capital city of London? Our guide can help you find the most affordable train tickets and get a feel for the train journey. Discover how booking in advance, changing trains and considering different ticket types can help you save more on your tickets.

How do I find cheap Leeds to London train tickets?

To find the cheapest train tickets from Leeds to London, start by searching for your journey around one month in advance for a Friday afternoon departure.

The most affordable option is typically a direct train, and it will often be the fastest journey too. The choice is usually straightforward.

It’s also worth remembering that there aren’t any peak restrictions on a Friday. This means that the cheapest Super Off-Peak fares act as a sort of ‘cap’ for the Advance tickets that you see above. As a result, it’s usually the cheapest weekday to travel.

What if I take a slower route?

So, can you get cheap train tickets from Leeds to London that are even better value? Absolutely! For example, you’ll find many more trains to London from Doncaster.

The Northern service from Leeds to Doncaster is usually cheapest and you can often book a cheap ticket on this service right up until the train leaves. From Doncaster, your cheapest option is usually the Grand Central train down to London. If you’re booking separate tickets at Doncaster and want to change trains, make sure that you leave at least seven minutes between them (so that you’re covered in case the first train is late).

We’d also recommend looking at tickets from Sheffield to London (and then looking at trains from Leeds to Sheffield) as this could give you a saving, as well.

What if I’m travelling from other stations in West Yorkshire?

If you’re travelling from other stations, then it’s worth remembering that Grand Central runs directly from Bradford Interchange, Low Moor, Halifax, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate and Pontefract Monkhill (only some trains) into London King’s Cross.

It’s likely to be cheaper to choose one of these direct trains than to head to Leeds first. They don’t run as frequently though, so it’s worth checking the timetable here.

What are trains from Leeds to London like?

If you’re choosing a direct train from Leeds to London, then you’ll likely be travelling on an LNER Azuma. They have five or nine carriages:

 

Once you’re on the train, you’ll find a selection of table and airline seating. There’s free WiFi throughout the train, and every seat has access to a power socket:

 

You’ll also find at least two luggage stacks per carriage (at the carriage ends) with some having up to four. See those stickers at the seatbacks? That’s for the Let’s Eat at Your Seat service. If you scan the QR code, then you’ll be able to order hot and cold food to your seat. It doesn’t take your payment until the food is on its way.

Is there anything else I should know?

The final thing we’d recommend is using the Railsmartr website to book your Leeds to London train tickets. We’re completely independent, so we’re happy to ‘tell you like it is’ when it comes to rail fares. Not only that, but we’ll show you the slower, but cheaper options that some websites won’t.

Don’t forget that we don’t charge any fees, either. That includes if you change your mind and want to travel on a different day. If your ticket is refundable, we’ll refund it fee-free, too!

_{^{All fare recommendations stated on this page are for ONE adult with no Railcard discount and were correct on 02/03/2025. They’re subject to change at any time and Railsmartr are not responsible for any loss or disappointment incurred as a result of the information provided.}}