London to Lincoln train with London North Eastern Railway

Trains from London to Lincoln

Trains from London to Lincoln run every day of the week. The first train from London leaves early in the morning Monday to Saturday (first train departs later on Sundays), and the final train departs late in the evening (earlier on Sundays). Trains typically run once or twice per hour. The journey time roughly ranges from 3-5 hours, depending on which route you take. Most routes require one transfer.

London to Lincoln Train Time: Daily Departures

Trains from London depart from London King’s Cross or London St Pancras International. From both stations, there is typically one train departing every hour from Monday to Sunday, but trains are less frequent in the early morning and late evening. The first train of the day leaves around 06:00 from Monday to Saturday, and around 09:00 on Sundays. The last train of the day departs around 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and around 20:00 on Sundays. Trains taken after these times may not arrive at Lincoln until the next day.

How long is the journey by train from London to Lincoln

Train times vary between 2h 30min to 4h 30min. For the fastest time available, consider which route you take. Trains from London St Pancras that typically change in Nottingham are usually the quicker option, with the fastest train being roughly 3 hours in length. Times do vary, so please check the route before purchasing the ticket. Trains from London King’s Cross usually transfer at Newark Northgate, and these trains take slightly longer, at approximately 3h 30min.

Travel from London by train. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station:London St Pancras will be the departure point. This station is in the heart of London, in the Borough of Camden. It is connected to six of the major tube lines; Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria. It is the biggest public transport interchange in London and has a huge selection of shops, cafes, food places and other facilities available. It is also a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and is said to be one of the most elegant train stations in the world. London King’s Cross is just a short walk from London St Pancras. It’s also in the centre of London and is easy to access through many modes of transport. It is also a huge station, with many waiting facilities available, including cafes, restaurants and waiting areas.

Arrival train station:Lincoln Central is in the centre of Lincoln City. It has parking facilities and is next to Lincoln Central Bus Station, and it has a taxi rank directly outside. There’s food facilities such as cafes and vending machines, plus other shops, and there are also toilets with baby-changing facilities. What’s more, the world-famous Lincoln Cathedral is roughly just a 20min walk from the station.

Which train companies travel from London to Lincoln Central?

Most trains departing from St Pancras are provided by East Midlands Railway. These trains take 3-4 hours, depending on how long the transfer at Nottingham is. This is generally the faster route, with the fastest being approximately 2h 50min. Most trains departing from King’s Cross are provided by London North Eastern Railway (LNER). These trains can take any time from 3h 30min to 4h 30min, depending on how long the transfer is at Newark Northgate. There are also some trains by LNER that transfer at Retford, but this will increase the journey time to about 4h 30min. There are occasional services offered by Hull Trains, though this service takes longer and is more expensive.

Night trains London

The latest train to Lincoln departs from London at around 22:00, so it cannot be classified as a true night train. It takes approximately 2h 20min to arrive at Lincoln, making the arrival time at your destination just after midnight.

East Midlands Railway trains from London to Lincoln

East Midlands Railway has on average one train from King’s Cross to Lincoln each hour at normal operating times. Each train has one power point for each pair of seats, free Wi-Fi, seat selection, space for luggage and friendly staff.

LNER trains from London to Lincoln

LNER has on average one train per hour from St Pancras to Lincoln Central. Trains have a food service, where food can be ordered directly to your seat. As well as this, there is also free Wi-Fi, seat selection, a quiet carriage and service with a smile.

Trains from London to Lincoln: Sustainability travel

If you want to travel in style and reduce your carbon footprint, just choose a train. Next to walking and cycling, a train is the next most environmentally friendly way to travel, as the emissions are 80% less than those of a car!

Trains London to Lincoln: Services on Board

East Midlands Railway has a first-class option available, with more spacious seating, quieter carriages and special parking places at selected stations. All passengers are allowed three pieces of luggage free of charge, with two larger items and one piece of hand luggage. Full-size bikes are allowed but must be stored in the vestibule area, while foldable bikes are permitted but must be folded and stowed for the whole journey. Up to two pets are allowed but must be kept on a lead or in a carrier and must be well behaved. Service dogs are allowed on any part of the train. Assisted Travel is available if booked in advance, and staff will do everything they can to provide the service passengers are used to. LNER has a first-class option, which offers complimentary food and drink, reclinable and bigger seats, more legroom and faster wifi. All passengers are allowed three pieces of luggage free of charge, with two larger items and one piece of hand luggage. Full-size bikes are permitted if passengers purchase a ticket for the bike, and up to two dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead or in a carrier, as well as well behaved. Service dogs are allowed on any part of the train, and Assisted Travel is available if you notify them through the LNER website.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Lincoln

Prices depend on the time of day you travel. Trains are the most expensive around 10:30 and 16:30. Prices vary for both services from King’s Cross and St Pancras, ranging roughly £21-41. The very cheapest is usually from King’s Cross using LNER trains. LNER offers discounts on group travel and discount cards as well. East Midlands Railway offers group discounts, multiple railcards to choose from and disability discounts if you are visually impaired, disabled or over the age of 60. It is advised to book in advance. To keep updated with schedules, prices and booking information, please visit our homepage here.

Cathedral in Lincoln. Source: Shutterstock

To Lincoln by train—travel tips

Lincoln is one of the UK’s most enjoyable day breaks. Home of the Magna Carta, Lincoln City is rich in history and has been well preserved in its 2,000-year-old history. From private gardens that are open to the public to the cobbled streets and countless festivals that make it buzz with colour and sound, Steep Hill is where to go for culture and nightlife. This beautiful street is in fact on a steep hill, with plenty of craft shops, tea rooms, cafes and bars. Lincoln is the perfect location to see the beauty of traditional England! Read more about popular destinations in our online magazine, The Window Seat.

• Lincoln Cathedral
• The Cathedral Quarter
• Doddington Hall & Garden
• Hartsholme Country Park
• Lincoln Castle