- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £58, while a coach costs an average of £77.
Distance: 195 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price | £42 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from York to Ely:
A train is £19 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from York to Ely costing on average £77.
Other travel options to Ely take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 35m.
You'll arrive about 1h 26m sooner (1h 47m by train vs 3h 13m by car). Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £42 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 York to Ely trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 16:27 York | 2h04 | 18:31 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:55 York | 2h22 | 19:17 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:31 York | 2h46 | 20:17 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:55 York | 1h57 | 19:52 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:27 York | 2h04 | 20:31 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:55 York | 1h52 | 20:47 Ely | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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Trains from York to Ely run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:46. The fastest train covers the 195 km distance in 1h 36m.
Distance 195 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 1h 36m |
First train 4:40 |
Last train 21:46 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most York to Ely trains use the York to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Ely train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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