Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - London to york?

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what is the best way to get from the airport in london to York? how do you get to the train station? is it cheaper to take a taxi from the airport to the train station? and which train station do i need to go to ? thanks!!

It depends which airport in London you are flying into. You need to get to King's Cross station to catch a train to York. If you fly into Heathrow you can catch the tube (subway) for about $5 direct from the airport to King's Cross (it takes about 1 1/4 hours on the "Picadilly line"). Alternatively you can catch a train into central London ($25) and then catch a "circle line tube" from where the train drops you off (Paddington train station) to King's Cross ($3). If you fly into either Gatwick or Stanstead you will have to get a train into central London and catch a tube to King's Cross. A taxi will cost over $100 from any airport in London to King's Cross and will not save you any time.

From Gatwick: Although the Gatwick Express goes to Victoria Station, there are other services from Gatwick Airport railway station to Kings Cross Thameslink station (about 45 minutes). You then walk about one block from KC Thameslink to the main King's cross railway station for trains to York.

Michele, Just to help...your first posting of this question had slipped down so I have topped it for you. Mr. Haines very kindly gave you a detailed description of what you need for Gatwick arrivals then Thameslink to Kings Cross rail. See his response on the other thread. I did this exact route this summer and the only thing I would add is that the rail station at Gatwick is in the South Terminal. It's kind of a pain when you get to the Kings Cross Thameslink station and have to go above ground, dodging construction, to get to the rail station, but in my opinion it is preferable to taking the Gatwick Express to Victoria and trying to get to Kings Cross by tube (which I have also done.) Enjoy York, it's a fabulous city! There are many posts in the archives concerning York if you need more info.

Whichever way you get to Kings Cross station, be advised that your ticket might be expensive if you haven't booked ahead. Don't travel before 0930 (or possibly 1000) to keep the prices down. Fridays are more expensive than the rest of the week. Tell the ticket clerk when you are planning to come back. If you are just going one way, please note that sometimes a one-way ticket might be more expensive than a return! In fact, you are probably better off not booking a ticket ahead of time. These have strict conditions, and if your plane is delayed etc. you will have an invalid ticket (unless you can persuade the train guard not to penalise you by making you buy a new ticket.) If you do feel you want to book ahead, go to the following two sites. (The former is the specific site for the train operator. The latter for the whole rail system. Both allow you to check times and buy, with an option to collect them with a PIN from an automated machine or ticket clerk at the station.) www.gner.co.uk / www.thetrainline.com Expect to pay about £50-60 for a walk on fare after 1000 and not on Friday. Keep your luggage to a minimum for ease of travel.

You can fly from Heathrow to Leeds on British Midland or BA for £50 one way, then take a taxi or hire car to York which is half an hour away. Much easier than getting into London.

You can check schedules and fares for London-York on www.gner.co.uk.