York Day Rail Tour from London including Hop-on Hop-off tour

Yorkshire and The Humber, York



You'll find many unique, once in a lifetime experiences in York - a city thriving with history, culture and excitement.

Highlights

  • Roundtrip train travel between London and York
  • Travel from central London to York by train in approximately 2 hours
  • Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour in York

Description

This day trip combines a 2-hour train ride from central London to York with a hop-on hop-off bus tour ideal for exploring the city at your own pace. York features iconic historic architecture, including York Minster, which has the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK.

The hop-on hop-off bus allows you to discover York efficiently, with stops at key attractions and onboard multilingual audio commentary, including a special version for children. York’s history spans from Roman times through Viking rule, reflected in its buildings, streets, and monuments.

Popular stops include Walmgate Bar, an ancient city gate where you can walk along the old city walls, and Clifford’s Tower, a Norman keep situated on a high mound open for climbing and exploration. The Stonebow area leads to The Shambles, a narrow medieval street known for inspiring Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.

For a quieter break, hop off at the Museum Gardens, riverside botanic gardens perfect for picnics and watching friendly squirrels. Other notable sites accessible by bus are York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre. This flexible tour enables you to tailor your visit to suit your interests.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and check train times. Booking early is advised to secure preferred travel dates.

Includes

  • Return train travel direct from London in approximately two hours
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard the train
  • Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour of York with audio commentary in nine languages

Excludes

  • Entrance fees to attractions
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Tour guide

Important Information

  • Train travel is with LNER; this is an unescorted tour
  • Outbound train departs London King's Cross at 09:00, arriving in York at 10:51 — please arrive by 08:30 at King's Cross
  • Return train departs York at 17:58, arriving at London King's Cross at 19:56 — arrive at York station at least 20 minutes before departure
  • Full joining instructions and electronic train tickets will be emailed one week before departure (or within 24 hours if booked within one week)
  • First class upgrade includes lounge access at King's Cross and York stations plus light refreshments and seat service

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 7 days before the departure date for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes roundtrip train travel between London and York plus a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour around York.
The train journey from central London to York takes approximately 2 hours each way.
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore York at your own pace by stopping at key attractions.
The bus stops at major York attractions including York Minster and other notable historic sites.
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus offers onboard multilingual audio commentary about York's landmarks.
Train travel is included with the booking for this tour, so no separate train tickets are needed.
Yes, the hop-on hop-off ticket allows you to get off and rejoin the bus at designated stops throughout York.
This tour is available year-round; check the website for current operating days and times.
You board the train at a central London station as specified in your booking confirmation.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and provides an easy way to explore York’s historic attractions with children.

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