- Must visit
Rotunda Museum
Compact gallery and museum space at the Rotunda exploring geology, fossils and the origins of scientific study on the Yorkshire coast.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Pontefract to Scarborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £45, while a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 88 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£45 Average Price Cheapest | £18 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Scarborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 43m.
Tickets start at around £45 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-26.80. The journey takes 1h 32m versus 1h 32m 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 Pontefract to Scarborough trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:42 Pontefract Tanshelf | 2h18 | 10:00 Scarborough | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Pontefract to Scarborough run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 12m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 5:35 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Discover the best of Scarborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Scarborough trip today.
Compact gallery and museum space at the Rotunda exploring geology, fossils and the origins of scientific study on the Yorkshire coast.
Local history museum in a former mansion with archaeology, fine art and natural history collections telling Scarborough's story.
Gallery in the Crescent gardens showing paintings, decorative art and changing exhibitions in an elegant Italianate setting.
Dramatic headland park above the North Bay with coastal paths, castle approaches and some of the best sea views in town.
Popular promenade and gardens area with the spa, cliffs, sea views and an easy walk linking beaches and elegant Victorian terraces.
Historic old town street climbing between the harbour and castle, lined with traditional buildings, shops and local character.
Fresh North Sea crab landed on the Yorkshire coast, prized for sweet meat and commonly served simply to showcase Scarborough’s fishing heritage.
A classic British fish supper of battered white fish and chips, strongly tied to Scarborough’s seaside culture and promenade takeaways.
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often served for breakfast. It reflects the long tradition of curing local catches along the Yorkshire coast.
Popular seafront seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour views in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-regarded harbourside restaurant focusing on seafood and classic British cooking with expansive bay views.
Long-established seaside favourite for fish and chips, with a busy traditional atmosphere close to the harbour.
More affordable than many UK seaside resorts; budget stays, casual dining and local buses are fairly priced, though peak summer accommodation costs rise.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Scarborough Station -> Scarborough Town Centre, Scarborough
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Pontefract to Scarborough 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 Scarborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Pontefract to Scarborough trains use the Pontefract Monkhill to Scarborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Pontefract and Scarborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Scarborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Scarborough.
Wi-Fi is available at Scarborough.
Ticket office support is available at Scarborough.
Available at Scarborough: Parking, WC.
Available at Scarborough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Scarborough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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