- Must visit
National Railway Museum
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£70
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£111
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
3 h 13 m
Trains on 23 Sept
13
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to York will cost around £111 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
To travel from Watford to York you need to make at least 2 changes.
G80205+
Tube from Queens Park (London) to London Paddington+
P69700+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Kings Cross
G80205+
Tube from Queens Park (London) to London Paddington · Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Kings Cross+
C37947
W70246+
C01971
C01971+
W70246
C02083+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+
P69700+
G66987
G80198+
W70566+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross
W70569+
G80199+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross
G80198+
W70566+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross
G80203+
P69700+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross
G80203+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+
P69700Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £104 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £104, while a train costs an average of £104.
Distance: 260 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£104 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 48m sooner (2h 38m by train vs 3h 26m by car). Tickets start at around £104 compared to roughly £52 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.
The table below shows live departures for Watford to York trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01971+ W70246 | 4:13 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h49 | 8:02 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
C01971+ W70246 | 4:16 Bushey (BSH) | 3h46 | 8:02 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
G80198+ W70566+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:11 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h05 | 8:16 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
G80198+ W70566+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:14 Bushey (BSH) | 3h02 | 8:16 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
G80199+ C00118+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:16 Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h47 | 9:03 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
G80199+ C00118+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:18 Bushey (BSH) | 3h45 | 9:03 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
C02083+ G66987+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+ P69700 | 5:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 4h45 | 10:33 York station (YRK) | 3 changes | |
G80203+ P69700+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h28 | 9:16 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
G80205+ P69700+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Kings Cross+ C37947 | 5:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 4h15 | 10:03 York station (YRK) | 4 changes | |
G80203+ P69700+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross | 5:50 Bushey (BSH) | 3h26 | 9:16 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
G80205+ P69700+ C37947+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Kings Cross | 5:50 Bushey (BSH) | 4h13 | 10:03 York station (YRK) | 4 changes | |
P69505+ G00738 | 5:55 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h25 | 10:20 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
G80199+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+ W70569 | 5:59 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h04 | 9:03 York station (YRK) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and 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.
Trains from Watford to York run on average 23 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £71 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:30, the last at 22:59. The fastest train covers the 260 km distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 260 km |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £71 |
Trains per day 23 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 1:30 |
Last train 22:59 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
An immersive museum street with recreated shops, period rooms and social history exhibits that bring everyday York life to life.
A broad city museum in riverside gardens, covering archaeology, Roman York, medieval objects and changing local life.
A narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, independent shops and one of York’s most recognisable scenes.
Peaceful public gardens beside museum buildings and abbey ruins, ideal for a central stroll, picnics and riverside breaks.
A handsome Georgian street leading to the Minster, known for boutiques, facades and a classic approach through the old city.
A famous York sweet: dark chocolate-coated peppermint fondant, made in the city since the 20th century and strongly associated with York’s confectionery heritage.
Traditional Yorkshire tea loaf made with dried fruit and tea, often served sliced with butter. A classic regional bake long linked with teatime in York and Yorkshire.
A broad, crisp batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire’s best-known traditional foods and a staple in York pubs and Sunday roasts.
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting inside The Grand. A strong choice for a special meal in central York.
Popular modern British restaurant focused on local produce, seasonal cooking and a relaxed bistro feel near the city walls.
Well-known traditional tearoom serving afternoon tea, cakes and light lunches in a classic Edwardian-style setting popular with visitors and locals.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller northern cities, but usually below London. Walking helps keep local transport costs low.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Watford to York trains use the Bushey to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and York train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
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.
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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 options are available at Watford Junction.
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 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 options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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