- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Pontefract
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 21
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$175
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$270
Fastest journey on Sep 21
3 h
Average journey duration on Sep 21
3 h 15 m
Trains on Sep 21
23
Distance
279 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Pontefract is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Pontefract will cost around $270 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $175.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Pontefract without transferring at least once.
.png)
6:30 AM3h00Edinburgh9:30 AMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer- 10:30 AM3h13Edinburgh1:43 PMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer
- 2:30 PM3h00Edinburgh5:30 PMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer
- 7:25 PM3h59Edinburgh11:24 PMPontefract Tanshelf$1981One-way2 transfers
- 1:30 PM3h32Edinburgh5:02 PMPontefract Tanshelf$2681One-way2 transfers
- 6:30 AM3h00Edinburgh9:30 AMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer
- 2:30 PM3h00Edinburgh5:30 PMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer
- 10:30 AM3h13Edinburgh1:43 PMPontefract Baghill$1751One-way1 transfer
- 1:30 PM3h32Edinburgh5:02 PMPontefract Tanshelf$2681One-way2 transfers
- 3:30 PM3h32Edinburgh7:02 PMPontefract Tanshelf$2681One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Pontefract
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Pontefract among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a train costs an average of $120.
Distance: 173 miles (279 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$120 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Pontefract is a bus with an average price of $42 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Pontefract:
A bus is $78 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Pontefract costing on average $120 (€98).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Pontefract is by train with an average journey time of 3h 21m.
Other travel options to Pontefract take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Pontefract including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Pontefract among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 56m sooner (3h 21m by train vs 4h 17m by car). Tickets start at around $120 (€98) compared to roughly $73 (€59) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Pontefract train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Pontefract trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:08 AM Edinburgh | 3h50 | 12:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 11:00 AM Edinburgh | 3h05 | 2:05 PM Pontefract Baghill | 1 transfer | |
| 11:07 AM Edinburgh | 3h51 | 2:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 1:05 PM Edinburgh | 3h53 | 4:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 3:00 PM Edinburgh | 2h59 | 5:59 PM Pontefract Baghill | 1 transfer | |
| 3:05 PM Edinburgh | 3h53 | 6:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 5:05 PM Edinburgh | 3h53 | 8:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 6:05 PM Edinburgh | 4h53 | 10:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 1 transfer | |
| 6:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h28 | 10:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf | 2 transfers | |
| 8:30 PM Edinburgh | 9h29 | 5:59 AM Pontefract Tanshelf | 2 transfers | |
 | 9:06 PM Edinburgh | 11h56 | 9:02 AM Pontefract Tanshelf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Pontefract by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Sep 27
Why should you book Edinburgh to Pontefract trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway offer trains services from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Pontefract
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Pontefract run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $118 (€96) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 19:47. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $39 (€32)
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $118 (€96) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:45 AM |
Last train 7:47 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $39 (€32)
Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway from Edinburgh to Pontefract trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Edinburgh and Pontefract from $39 (€32). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$120 (€98)
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
$118 (€96)
London North Eastern Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Pontefract
Things to do in Pontefract
Discover the best of Pontefract — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontefract trip today.
- Recommended
Pontefract Castle Visitor Centre
Museum rooms within the castle site interpreting royal intrigue, sieges, and prison stories that shaped Pontefract’s identity.
- Recommended
National Coal Mining Museum for England
Nearby mining museum preserving the region’s coalfield story with machinery, galleries, and powerful social history interpretation.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic town centre street lined with notable buildings, shops, and landmarks, ideal for understanding Pontefract’s urban character.
- Recommended
Valley Gardens
Main public park with formal gardens, play areas, and open lawns, popular for relaxing walks near the castle and centre.
- Recommended
Pontefract Park
Expansive green space and racecourse surroundings offering walking routes, events, and wide views across the edge of town.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Pontefract Cakes
Soft liquorice sweets made with local liquorice extract. Pontefract Cakes are the town’s signature treat and one of Yorkshire’s best-known confectionery traditions.
- Vegetarian
Yorkshire Christmas Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and peel, traditionally eaten across Yorkshire at Christmas and festive gatherings.
Yorkshire Roast Dinner
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A classic Sunday meal strongly associated with Yorkshire home cooking.
Tulsi
Established Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
Amici
Popular Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and grills in a casual family-friendly atmosphere in Pontefract town centre.
The Red Lion
Traditional pub known for hearty British meals and ales in a relaxed historic setting near Pontefract racecourse.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in major cities like London or York.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-10 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected.
MCard Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £6
To the city center
Pontefract Monkhill -> Pontefract Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 16 min
- Most local buses in Pontefract accept contactless card payment, but rail tickets usually need to be bought separately before boarding.
- For bus travel across West Yorkshire, check MCard and Metro for the best-value tickets and live service updates.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Pontefract
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Pontefract by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Pontefract, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Pontefract can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $118 (€96), while the average price is around $120 (€98).
The train from Edinburgh to Pontefract takes 3h 2m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Pontefract leaves at 5:45 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Pontefract is 173 miles (279 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Pontefract leaves at 7:47 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Pontefract is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Pontefract Monkhill (PFM).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Pontefract is by bus, with a cost of around $39 (€32).
The train journey from Edinburgh to Pontefract offers scenic views of the Scottish Lowlands and the rolling hills of Northern England, with glimpses of quaint villages and open countryside, making it a pleasant and picturesque trip.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Pontefract is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 2m. Trains operate 2 times per day over a distance of 173 miles (279 km).
A visit to Pontefract can typically be enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore its historic sites, such as Pontefract Castle, and experience local attractions and markets.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Pontefract.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Pontefract are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Pontefract include Leeds, Castleford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Pontefract among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Pontefract, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially around busy areas like the market and train station. It's advisable to keep belongings secure and be aware of pickpockets. There are no widespread reports of specific scams targeting visitors, but standard precautions such as avoiding unsolicited offers and verifying ticket authenticity when purchasing transportation tickets online are recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Pontefract
Most Edinburgh to Pontefract trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Pontefract Tanshelf station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Monkhill. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Pontefract train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Pontefract
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · $1 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Which Pontefract station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Trains from Edinburgh to Pontefract most often arrive at Pontefract Monkhill. Some services arrive at Pontefract Tanshelf, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Pontefract arrival station.
Pontefract MonkhillPontefract Monkhill station, Monkhill Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2NX+44 3332220125
City-centre transport
Getting to Pontefract Monkhill from Pontefract city centre
TrainLeeds - Knottingley · 2m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus149, 148, 186, Sw3, 157 · 3m · $2 · every ~16 min
149, 148 · 10m · $2 · every ~11 min
Pontefract Monkhill train station facilities and services
Pontefract Monkhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Monkhill.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Monkhill: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, Station is unstaffed. No step-free access to platform2, which is via stepped footbridge. There is level access from the station entrance to platform 1, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Pontefract TanshelfPontefract Tanshelf station, Park Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4QA+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Pontefract Tanshelf from Pontefract city centre
Bus144 · 9m · every ~2 min
Pontefract Tanshelf train station facilities and services
Pontefract Tanshelf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Tanshelf.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Station is unstaffed. However no access problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the ramped footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Pontefract
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Pontefract and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Pontefract
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
