Watford to Leeds train with Grand Central Trains

Thu 17 Sept
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CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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London North Eastern Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Leeds

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£53

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£57

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

3 h 14 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

3 h 15 m

Trains on 17 Sept

2

Distance

250 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Watford to Leeds will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 trains from Watford to Leeds, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 250 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.

  • London North Eastern Railway
    8:093h15
    Watford
    11:24Leeds
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • London North Eastern Railway
    8:073h14
    Watford
    11:21Leeds
    £621One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train for Watford to Leeds

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Leeds among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £84 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £84, while a train costs an average of £84.

Distance: 250 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£84

Average Price

Cheapest

£48

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Leeds is a train with an average price of £84.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Leeds is by train with an average journey time of 2h 56m.
Yes, you can take a train between Watford and Leeds.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 13m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 3h 9m by car). Tickets start at around £84 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Watford to Leeds train times

The table below shows live departures for Watford to Leeds trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
London North Eastern Railway8:07 Watford
3h14
11:21 Leeds0 changesdirect
London North Eastern Railway8:09 Watford
3h15
11:24 Leeds0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Watford to Leeds by train

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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Watford to Leeds trains with Omio?

Grand Central Trains as well as CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and more offer trains services from Watford to Leeds.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Leeds.

Why book with Omio vs Grand Central Trains?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Grand Central Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Leeds.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Leeds.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Watford to Leeds

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Watford to Leeds run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £52 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 02:01, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 2h 31m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
250 km
Average train duration
2h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£52
Trains per day
14
Fastest train
2h 31m
First train
2:01
Last train
23:49
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Grand Central Trains, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Watford to Leeds trainsGrand Central Trains, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Watford and Leeds from £52. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Grand Central Trains

About
Grand Central Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the North East of England, Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Grand Central Trains offers a range of services, including express, semi-fast and stopping services. Express services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to three hours. Semi-fast services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to four hours. Stopping services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to five hours. Grand Central Trains offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Standard tickets are the most economical option, while First Class tickets offer more comfort and space. Advance tickets are available for purchase up to 12 weeks in advance and offer the best value for money. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Grand Central Trains are London to Bradford, London to Sunderland, London to York and London to Wakefield.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Grand Central Trains Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Grand Central Trains Price
£87
Grand Central Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus cafe bar on some services
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for a small fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramp assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£87
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£52
London North Eastern Railway frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
4h 4m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£200
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 36m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£90
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Leeds

Things to do in Leeds

Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.

  • Must visit

Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds’s principal art gallery shows British art, sculpture and changing exhibitions in an elegant central building.

  • Recommended

Leeds City Museum

A major city museum with natural history, archaeology and local history displays suitable for all ages.

  • Recommended

Leeds Industrial Museum

A large industrial museum in a former mill, covering textiles, engineering and Leeds’s manufacturing heritage.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and everyday tourist costs stay fairly manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Watford to Leeds train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Leeds 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 Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Leeds can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £52, while the average price tends to be around £84.
The train journey from Watford to Leeds covers a distance of 250 km and takes approximately 2h 31m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Leeds is 250 km.
The first train from Watford to Leeds leaves at 2:01.
The last train from Watford to Leeds departs at 23:49.
Trains from Watford to Leeds run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Leeds.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Leeds.
To travel from Watford to Leeds, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Watford to Leeds.
The train station in Watford that goes to Leeds is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Leeds station (LDS).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Leeds is by train, costing approximately £52.
Booking trains from Watford to Leeds in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Watford to Leeds offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views primarily as the train moves through the countryside, particularly around the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District regions.
A day trip from Watford to Leeds is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 31m. Trains run every 15 minutes with a frequency of 15 per day, covering a distance of 250 km.
In Leeds, you can explore the Leeds City Museum with its interactive exhibits on natural history, archaeology, and local history, or visit the Tudor-Jacobean Temple Newsam, which features beautiful gardens and a working farm. The Thackray Medical Museum offers engaging displays on the history of medicine. For cultural experiences, The Grand Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and musicals. For shopping, the Victoria Quarter is renowned for its stunning architecture and luxury boutiques. Noteworthy sights include the Royal Armouries Museum with its vast collection of arms and armor, the Leeds Art Gallery showcasing British art, and Roundhay Park, one of Europe's largest city parks. Kirkstall Abbey and Harewood House provide historical and picturesque settings with impressive art collections and landscaped gardens.
A stay of two to three days is ideal to explore Leeds, allowing time to visit its museums, shop in its historic arcades, and enjoy the local dining scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Leeds.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Leeds

Most Watford to Leeds trains use the Watford Junction to Leeds station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Leeds train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Leeds

Which Watford station do trains to Leeds leave from?

Trains from Watford to Leeds leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre

TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min

Watford Junction train station facilities and services

Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Watford Junction.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre

Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min

Watford High Street train station facilities and services

Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford High Street: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre

Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m

Bushey train station facilities and services

Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bushey.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bushey: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Watford to Leeds

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