- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$59
Fastest journey on Sep 21
2 h 23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
2 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 21
4
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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
It's difficult to get from London to Pontefract without transferring at least once.
C02124+
C31974
C02112+
G90025
C00195+
C24767+
C32422
C02132+
G90018
C02112+
G90025
C02132+
G90018
C00195+
C24767+
C32422
C02124+
C31974Omio 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 an average ticket price of $29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, while a flight costs an average of $396.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $396 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London to Pontefract:
A bus is $64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Pontefract costing on average $93.
A bus is $367 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Pontefract costing on average $396.
Other travel options to Pontefract take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 15m.
Bus takes on average 4h 50m.
You'll arrive about 1h 36m sooner (2h 15m by train vs 3h 51m by car). Tickets start at around $93 compared to roughly $84 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.
Direct services run with Grand Central Trains.
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.
The table below shows live departures for London to Pontefract trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02091+ G90062 | On time 10:10 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h48 | 12:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 transfer | |
C02123+ G90063 | On time 11:36 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 3h23 | 2:59 PM Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 transfer | |
W70947+ G89765+ Y14823 | On time 11:57 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 4h44 | 4:41 PM Pontefract Monkhill (PFM) | 2 transfers | |
G08129+ G90066 | On time 4:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h55 | 6:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 transfer | |
Y14837 | On time 6:00 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h57 | 7:57 PM Pontefract Monkhill (PFM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02127+ G90067 | On time 6:10 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h48 | 8:58 PM Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 transfer | |
Y14840 | On time 8:00 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h55 | 9:55 PM Pontefract Monkhill (PFM) | 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 6 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 but you can travel from only $10 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 57m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 11:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 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 Tanshelf station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Monkhill. 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.
Heathrow Terminal 4 is 22 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 4 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminal 4. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminal 4.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 4.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminal 4: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 4: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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 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.
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