Book your train tickets to London

There's no city quite like London. Home to over 8 million people and attracting 16 million tourists from across the world each year, it is a bustling, diverse destination.

If you need to book a train ticket to London, Grand Central has you covered. We bring you budget-friendly fares, onboard facilities, and all the info you need about the latest trains to King's Cross.

To find out more about booking your train to London with Grand Central, read on. In this guide, we cover how to get the best prices for your rail fare and what you can do when you get to the capital.

How to find your train tickets to London

If you’re costing up your visit, we’ve made it easy for you to find the best price for your train tickets to London. Here are some tips to help you find great value fares for your journey!

Before you start looking at the different ticket types, you’ll need to know when you’re travelling. Also, how flexible can you be about when you take the train? These factors can affect the price you’ll pay.  

Ticket types

When you’re considering the different types of train ticket, you can take your pick from Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance.

• Advance

Great value fares can be found when you book your trains to London King's Cross well ahead of time. You’re more likely to bag the best priced train ticket if you choose Advance – savings can be as much as 80%. To qualify for Advance tickets, you’ll need to know the exact time and date you want to travel. This is a great choice if you need to be in London for a specific time.

Plus, if you're a student, you can save more when you book Advance. You'll nab a 25% discount and if you have a Railcard you could save up to 50%. Let us know your student email address and we'll email you a code that gets you a quarter off any Grand Central Advance ticket to or from London.

• Off-peak

If you can be flexible about when you travel, it may be worth looking at Off-peak train tickets to London. These are usually valid outside the rush hour and are less expensive than tickets that cover travel during the morning and evening commutes.

• Anytime

If you want increased flexibility, Anytime tickets can be used on any valid train. This means you’re not committed to travel at a specific time, giving you more time in London.

Other ways to save

Look out for other money-saving opportunities on your train tickets to London too. Our Group Travel discount could fit the bill.

Also, if you have a Railcard, you could save as much as 1/3 on most train travel across the UK for an entire year.

Use the app

For a quick and convenient way to book your tickets to London and beyond, use the Grand Central ticket app. This allows you to arrange your travel while you're on the go, plus it offers an at-a-glance guide to the best value fares. You can also use the app to access the latest timetables, so you can easily work out when the next Grand Central service to London is.

Download the app today for a safe, contactless journey.

What facilities are on board Grand Central trains to London?

Wherever you’re heading once you hit the capital, we want you to have a relaxing, enjoyable time on the train to London. From the moment you step on board to when you arrive at your destination, you can enjoy a range of  facilities.

Feeling hungry? Take your pick from the tasty treats available from our food and drink menu, which includes hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.

If you want to take relaxation to the next level, you’ll find it when you upgrade to First Class travel. With large reclining seats, plenty of legroom, and complimentary snacks and drinks, it’s the perfect way to unwind as you travel.

Are there regular train times to London?

Several Grand Central trains run direct to London King's Cross daily, so you’re sure to find a service that fits your plans. The exact timings and the number of Grand Central services that are available will depend on which station you’re travelling from.

To find the right train times to London for your trip, enter your travel details into our planner. When you’re ready, select ‘Search and Buy’ to explore the available times. Look for the logo for the services that are available for your day of travel.

For information on the latest trains to and from London and beyond, download and print our timetables. These are great guides to keep with you while you’re out and about.

Popular train routes to London

It's possible to get trains to London from across the UK, thanks to its 18 major terminals. Grand Central trains take travellers straight to King's Cross. Here are some of the most popular routes into London that we cover: 

Route	Average Time
Bradford to London	3hr 16min
Sunderland to London	3hr 38min
York to London	2hr 20min

What to do in London

Is it your first time in the city? You can be a tourist by taking in all the must-sees. Take a trip on the London Eye for a bird's eye view or hop on board one of the sightseeing buses. You might want to get a selfie outside Buckingham Palace or walk across Tower Bridge to take a tour of the Tower of London before heading to the West End to see a show.

There are also plenty of museums and galleries to keep everyone entertained. The awesome Natural History Museum is ideal for nature lovers, while the National Portrait Gallery offers an eclectic range of exhibitions. There are also major attractions such as Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon to visit.

If you're after some retail therapy, you're in the right place. Oxford Street boasts over 90 flagship stores and outlets, while Mayfair and Bond Street suit those looking for a more upmarket experience. There are also markets dotted throughout the capital – take a look at what's for sale at Portobello Road, Borough, and Covent Garden.

Board the next Grand Central train to London and discover all that the city has to offer.