- 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
$10
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$45
Fastest journey on Sep 21
31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
45 m
Trains on Sep 21
20
Distance
33 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Pontefract is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Pontefract will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
On Mon, Sep 21, we found 20 trains from York to Pontefract, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 21 the direct trains cover the 33 km distance in an average of 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 31 m .
On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest trains will take 1 h 28 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.









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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Pontefract among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, while a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 20 miles (33 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $20 compared to roughly $10 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.52. The journey takes 44m versus 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:59 PM York | 0h47 | 1:46 PM Pontefract | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:58 PM York | 0h48 | 6:46 PM Pontefract | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 York to Pontefract run on average 3 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 20 miles (33 km) distance in 31m.
Distance 20 miles (33 km) |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 31m |
First train 5:59 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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 York 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 York to Pontefract trains use the York to Pontefract Monkhill station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Tanshelf. Use this guide to compare York and Pontefract train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
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