London to Doncaster train with LNER

Trains from London to Doncaster

If you take a train from London to Doncaster, you will cover approximately 145 miles (234 km) of rail distance. Trains are an ideal way of transport for this route, as they offer affordable charges and are faster than other travel means. London to Doncaster trains can take roughly 1h 30min to reach their destination. However, some trains are slower and require around 2h 30min to arrive in Doncaster from London. You can travel without the hassle of transferring from train to train, since almost all trips on the London-Doncaster route are direct. The daily departures for the route stand at about 67 on weekdays, while on weekends, there are roughly 62 trips daily.

London to Doncaster Train Time: Daily Departures

Every week, passengers travelling from London to Doncaster can catch the approximately 459 departures that service the route. The first London to Doncaster train leaves around 06:00. It travels for an average of 2 hours and arrives in Doncaster around 08:00. Similarly, the last departure starts making its way at about 23:30, and its arrival time in Doncaster is roughly 01:30. On Saturdays and Sundays, the last trip starts around 22:00. Over a day, about three trains every hour leave London for Doncaster.

How long is the journey by train from London to Doncaster?

The quickest trains from London to Doncaster take approximately 2h. Notably, some trains are slower and have a stopover during the journey. Thus, they get to Doncaster after about 2h 30min. In case of a changeover, the trains may stop in Sheffield.

Trafalgar Square in London. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Doncaster?

Departure train station: The departure station for cheap trains from London to Doncaster is London King’s Cross Railway Station. The terminal sits in central London, approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from the city centre. To get to King’s Cross Railway Station, you can take a taxi, which arrives in roughly 20min. If interested in a more affordable transfer means, you can buy a ticket for a Transport For London bus. They take roughly 15min to connect the city centre and the terminal. Better still, you may walk from downtown London to King’s Cross Railway Station, taking approximately 45min. The railway station has a list of beneficial amenities, like cash points, lockers, free Wi-Fi, taxi stands and parking spaces. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is available as well.

Arrival train station: Your train to Doncaster from London will find an arrival point at Doncaster Railway Station. The terminal is in the heart Of Doncaster city, approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the city centre. Once you arrive here, you can charge your phone via free electrical outlets. Other amenities at Doncaster Railway Station include a station buffet, toilets, cash points, telephones and shops to buy refreshments. Over the last few years, the terminal has been a beneficiary of several upgrades, making it accessible to persons with disabilities. To connect Doncaster Railway Station and central Doncaster, you can walk for roughly 30min. Alternatively, you can board a taxi and arrive in the city centre after an estimated 5min drive.

Which train companies travel from London to Doncaster?

Most of the trains from London to Doncaster are under London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a government-funded corporation. However, you may find about 10 departures from other companies, like Hull Trains, Grand Central and East Midlands Railway. While Hull Trains and Grand Central are subsidiaries of private enterprises, East Midlands Railway operates under a state-owned Dutch firm. All train companies for the London-Doncaster route provide long-distance but medium-speed trains.

Night trains London

You can travel from London to Doncaster during the night hours. The earliest evening departure leaves King’s Cross Railway Station, in London, around 19:00 and reaches Doncaster at about 20:40. The last train to make the London-Doncaster journey has a departure time of approximately 23:30. With an estimated 2 hour travel time, it arrives at Doncaster Railway Station at around 01:30. On weekends, you can catch the last night departure at about 22:00.

London North Eastern Railway trains from London to Doncaster

London North Eastern Railway provides intercity trains with an approximate speed of 125 mph (200 kph), reaching Doncaster nearly 1h 40min after leaving London. The company provides nearly 57 direct daily departures for the London-Doncaster route.

Hull Trains trains from London to Doncaster

Around four departures from London to Doncaster are run by Hull Trains. These medium-speed trains connect London and Doncaster in an estimated 1h 40min.

Grand Central trains from London to Doncaster

Grand Central runs approximately three trips to Doncaster from London. The Grand Central trains operate from around 03:00 and take about 1h 30min to complete their journeys.

East Midlands Railway trains from London to Doncaster

All East Midlands Railway trains servicing the route between London and Doncaster are long-distance, and their travel time amounts to around 3h. The extended duration arises from a stop in Sheffield.

Trains from London to Doncaster: Sustainability travel

Travelling via London North Eastern Railway trains contributes to a clean environment, as the company uses bi-mode locomotives, cutting emissions significantly. Furthermore, LNER phased out paper tickets and moved towards the greener digital passes. Hull Trains ensures their locomotives can use electricity, which reduces the company’s carbon footprint. Further, Hull Trains maintains environmental management systems that keep the travel firm green. Grand Central trains feature innovations that minimise fuel consumption and avoid leaks. Also, the company strives to keep waste generated during transit at its lowest. With East Midlands Railway trains, you can be sure your journey will make the globe greener, as the company works with specialists to reduce pollution. Trains under East Midlands Railway feature an emission-reduction system.

Train London to Doncaster: Services on Board

A wide range of services awaits the passengers who use affordable trains from London to Doncaster. Indubitably, you may need to obtain a ticket before boarding the preferred seating class on your train. All four train companies for the London-Doncaster route – North Eastern Railway, Hull Trains, Grand Central and East Midlands Railway – offer standard and first-class seating options. Regardless of the cabin one is in, you can enjoy comfortable seats with satisfactory legroom and under-seat space, where you can peruse through your favourite read. Further, trains travelling from London to Doncaster provide free Wi-Fi and charging points. If you fancy refreshments, it is possible to order coffee, tea or snacks on board. If you have three or fewer luggage items, you won’t pay extra to transport your luggage. Zero charges also apply to folded bikes. However, most trains have limited spaces for bicycles; thus, you may consider booking your bike as early as possible. Small pets like birds, cats and dogs can also travel free of cost. All companies maintain travel-assistance staff to help passengers with reduced mobility.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Doncaster

You can obtain lower transport fares when you book your ticket for trains from London to Doncaster in advance. Also, cheap train tickets are available for passengers who board slower trains. Generally, faster trains charge slightly more than long-distance locomotives. The alternative way to travel inexpensively is obtaining a ticket that allows you to change travel dates. You can decide to travel on a day when your train gives a discount, to save some money.

castle in Doncaster. Source: Shutterstock

To Doncaster by train—travel tips

The city of Doncaster provides you with a place to learn history and culture, enjoy well-prepared dishes and shop. At Cusworth Hall and Conisbrough Castle, you can look into the over 200 years that preceded today’s Doncaster. The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum also tells of the city’s involvement in making planes over the last century. If artefacts and exhibitions are your interest, be sure to tour the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. You also can check out the numerous restaurants that provide pastries and local cuisine in the city centre.

• Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
• Yorkshire Wildlife Park
• Askern Boating Lake
• Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
• Adwick Park
• Sprotborough Canalside
• Town Field