- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
1 h 58 m
Average duration
2 h 6 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Pontefract is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Pontefract will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 3 trains that leave London for Pontefract on Thu, Aug 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Pontefract among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $221 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London to Pontefract:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Pontefract costing on average $69.
A bus is $203 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Pontefract costing on average $221.
Other travel options to Pontefract take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 10m.
Bus takes on average 4h 41m.
The journey is about 1h 41m faster (2h 10m by train vs 3h 51m by car) and roughly $14 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($69 vs $83). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Grand Central Trains.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for London to Pontefract trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:17 AM London | 1h58 | 12:15 PM Pontefract | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:40 AM London | 2h22 | 1:02 PM Pontefract | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:17 PM London | 1h58 | 2:15 PM Pontefract | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Trains from London to Pontefract run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $11 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 11:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Pontefract — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontefract trip today.
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
Museum rooms within the castle site interpreting royal intrigue, sieges, and prison stories that shaped Pontefract’s identity.
Nearby mining museum preserving the region’s coalfield story with machinery, galleries, and powerful social history interpretation.
Historic town centre street lined with notable buildings, shops, and landmarks, ideal for understanding Pontefract’s urban character.
Main public park with formal gardens, play areas, and open lawns, popular for relaxing walks near the castle and centre.
Expansive green space and racecourse surroundings offering walking routes, events, and wide views across the edge of town.
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.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and peel, traditionally eaten across Yorkshire at Christmas and festive gatherings.
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A classic Sunday meal strongly associated with Yorkshire home cooking.
Established Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
Popular Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and grills in a casual family-friendly atmosphere in Pontefract town centre.
Traditional pub known for hearty British meals and ales in a relaxed historic setting near Pontefract racecourse.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in major cities like London or York.
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.
Official public transport app
Pontefract Monkhill -> Pontefract Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Most London to Pontefract trains use the London Kings Cross to Pontefract Monkhill station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Tanshelf. Use this guide to compare London and Pontefract train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Kings Cross has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:00 - 01:36, Sat: 05:00 - 00:36, Sun: 05:30 - 01:36. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is located by the entrance of Platform 9 provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Kings Cross: There is step-free access in the whole station to all platforms. There are elevators between the concourse and Mezzanine and London Underground ticket hall.
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
Homerton is 7 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Homerton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Homerton.
Wi-Fi is available at Homerton.
Ticket office support is available at Homerton.
Available at Homerton: Parking.
Available at Homerton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Homerton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
Pontefract Monkhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Monkhill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Bike Parking.
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 Tanshelf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Tanshelf.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Bike Parking.
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.
Pontefract Baghill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Baghill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontefract Baghill: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Pontefract Baghill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Baghill: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Station is unstaffed. There is a step free ramped subway to both platforms. So therefore no problems for disabled or wheelchair bound passengers to gain access onto the platforms. Step free access from car park to station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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