- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Town museum beside the castle with displays on local history, everyday life and Pontefract’s past. A practical first stop for understanding the area.
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£21
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£25
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
1 h 58 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
2 h 10 m
Trains on 23 Oct
2
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Pontefract will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
On Fri 23 Oct, we found 2 trains from London to Pontefract, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
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.




Trains from London to Pontefract run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 256 km |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 23:33 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from London to Pontefract.
The table below shows live departures for London to Pontefract trains for today, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02149+ G89916 | On time 6:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 9:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
C02083+ G89921 | On time 7:39 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h24 | 10:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
C02169+ G89927 | On time 8:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 11:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
C02135+ G89935 | On time 9:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 12:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
C02071+ G89943 | On time 10:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 13:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
Y14834 | On time 11:17 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h58 | 13:15 Pontefract Monkhill (PFM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02121+ G89950 | On time 11:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 14:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
C02082+ G89957 | On time 12:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h23 | 15:03 Pontefract Tanshelf (POT) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Pontefract — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontefract trip today.
Town museum beside the castle with displays on local history, everyday life and Pontefract’s past. A practical first stop for understanding the area.
Castle visitor exhibition interpreting the site’s royal, military and prison history. A compact museum-style stop that adds context to the ruins outside.
Volunteer-run heritage centre covering the district’s coal mining story through machinery, artefacts and personal memories. An informative local favourite.
Central pedestrian-friendly shopping street with historic buildings and easy access to major sights. A useful area for getting a feel for the town centre.
Traditional market area lined with historic frontages and civic buildings. Worth a stroll for the town’s layout, atmosphere and regular market activity.
Open parkland around the racecourse with paths and broad views. Suitable for a longer walk and for seeing a different side of Pontefract.
Soft liquorice sweets made with liquorice root and sugar. Pontefract is famous for these historic lozenge-style cakes first produced here in the 18th century.
A robust Yorkshire stew of beef, root vegetables and gravy, slowly cooked for comfort in colder months. A classic local pub and home dish across West Yorkshire.
Minced beef and onion in shortcrust pastry, commonly sold by Yorkshire bakers. It is a staple savoury snack in the region and popular for lunch.
Established Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and familiar favourites in a comfortable town-centre setting.
Traditional pub in Pontefract known for classic British meals, cask ales and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Stylish restaurant and bar in nearby Darrington serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in smart surroundings.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotel prices are usually lower than in major cities such as London or York.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Pontefract.
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.
Check train stations information for London and Pontefract, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need