The North Yorkshire Moors Railway — often referred to as the Yorkshire Steam Train — is one of the most iconic sights across the north of England. Drawing in hundreds of thousands of eager travelers per year, the attraction transports visitors back to the 1800s when steam trains were the preferred method of travel.

Yorkshire Steam Train day trips from York enable you to see the spectacular landscape of this part of the country while riding on a historic vehicle. And, “Harry Potter” fans can also stumble upon a familiar destination.

Here's all you need to know about Yorkshire Steam Train, one of the most exciting day trips from York.

How to get to the Yorkshire Steam Train from York?

The Yorkshire Steam Train runs between Pickering and Whitby, stopping at Levisham, Goathland, and Grosmont. Pickering, where many begin their journey, is approximately 40 kilometers from York, while Whitby is over 70 kilometers from the city.

From York to the Yorkshire Steam Train by car

The journey to the Yorkshire Steam Train by car takes just over 30 minutes if heading to Pickering Station. You’ll begin the route by heading out of York in a northeasterly direction along the A64, which you’ll follow as far as Old Morton.

From there, you’ll merge onto the A169, which leads you the rest of the way to your destination.

From York to the Yorkshire Steam Train by bus/public transport

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to the Yorkshire Steam Train via public transportation instead. Direct buses connect York with Pickering several times per day and you’ll depart at the Saltergate Inn or Thornton Cross bus stop from which you can walk to the station easily.

Guided tour to the Yorkshire Steam Train from York

Alternatively, consider booking a Yorkshire Steam Train guided excursion and allow someone else to take care of the details for you. These organized day trips typically last around 8 hours and begin at a central location in York around 8 AM.

Once the adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back to the same point where you can head back to your hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing or continue sightseeing in the city.

You can find out the exact meeting point of each individual tour by consulting the booking page.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Yorkshire Steam Train cost?

The admission fee for the Yorkshire Steam Train varies depending on how far you wish to travel. The train travels between five stations and in all cases, children under 16 travel free.

The cost of a daily ticket includes an annual pass at no extra cost to you. Alternatively, you can select a short journey between one or two of the stations for a more budget-friendly option.

Day pass: £45
One station journey: £12
Two station journey: £22.50

What is the typical itinerary?

You’ll begin your Yorkshire Steam Train day tour by independently navigating your way through the city to your meeting point, which is typically close to an easily-recognizable landmark, such as a renowned hotel.

From there, you’ll meet your driver-guide and get acquainted with your group as you set off on your journey.

The route you’ll take is especially scenic and you won’t need to worry about being bored as you watch the bustling city streets be replaced by open fields filled with grazing animals.

You’ll stop off in a small village where you can gain a feel for the lifestyle in the English countryside independently before hopping back on your vehicle to continue the journey to Whitby.

Again, you’ll enjoy free time to discover the destination at your leisure and you’ll have the option to board the Yorkshire Steam Railway or enjoy a little extra time at the seaside town. If you opt to travel on the steam train, you’ll journey two stops to Goathland where you’ll rejoin your group to return to York.

With so much free time, it’s easy to slot lunch and refreshment stops into your day, and ensure you visit any attractions on your bucket list.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Yorkshire Steam Train?

Yorkshire Steam Train day tours include a myriad of additional destinations, making for a fulfilling sightseeing experience.

Guided tours to the Yorkshire Steam Train plus North Yorkshire Moors and Whitby from York

Yorkshire Steam Train day trips are typically combination experiences, during which, you’ll have the opportunity to explore other sights in the north of England.

You’ll begin by making your way through enchanting villages until you reach Hutton Le Hole where you can breathe in the fresh country air and explore its scattering of medieval stone dwellings.

You’ll then embark on a scenic drive through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to reach the quaint seaside town of Whitby.

Here, you’ll enjoy some free time to indulge in an English classic — fish and chips — discover the 7th-century monastery that inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” or delve into the life, and times of Captain Cook at a museum dedicated to the British explorer.

Continuing on, you’ll have the chance to hop onto the Yorkshire Steam Train, which travels through the verdant valleys and woodlands of Yorkshire to Goathland Station — featured as “Hogsmeade” in the Harry Potter movies — where you can snap a photo, and wander the village before returning to York where your Yorkshire Steam Train day tour ends.

How much does a day trip to the Yorkshire Steam Train from York cost?

A Yorkshire Steam Train day trip costs £60 per adult aged 16 and above. Children between 4 and 15 benefit from a discounted rate of just under £50 each. You’ll be part of a group limited to 16 guests and the price includes round-trip transportation, as well as the services of a friendly driver-guide.

However, the cost of the steam train is at your own expense, as well as any other admission fees.

What will you see and do?

The Yorkshire Steam Train is one of the most historic rail lines in England and first opened in 1836 under the name of the “Whitby and Pickering Railway.”

The line was constructed to open up trade from Whitby Port to the rest of the country, however, today, it serves as a tourist attraction, transporting travelers between five Yorkshire villages.

While some use the train to travel between destinations, the majority of visitors simply enjoy the novelty of traveling on a classic steam train, the likes of which are almost extinct in the country. It is among the most popular steam heritage railway lines in the world, transporting more than 300,000 guests per year.

One of the most celebrated attractions along the line, which you can explore on a Yorkshire Steam Train day trip is Goathland Station.

While this location is charming on its own, dotted with stone buildings and featuring a bridge to connect its two platforms, it’s Goathland’s association with the “Harry Potter” movies that makes it so famous.

The station appeared as the fictional station of “Hogsmeade” in the first film, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Alongside the magical movies, Goathland has also starred in several other film and television productions, including “Heartbeat.”

What are the opening times?

The Yorkshire Steam Train runs from March to November each year.

Between Monday and Saturday, the first train to depart Pickering is at 9:20 AM. This service runs until 4:15 PM when the final train of the day leaves the station, returning after its run to Whitby at 6:55 PM.

The train line operates a reduced service on Sundays with the first train leaving Pickering at 10 AM, and the final train beginning its route at 4 PM. However, on Sundays, only the 12 PM service runs to Whitby. The rest of the trains stop at Grosmont where they turn around and return to Pickering.

During certain busy spells throughout the year, such as the school holidays, the Yorkshire Steam Train runs an increased service with an additional two trains setting off from Pickering throughout the day.

You should check the timings for your preferred visiting time before embarking on a Yorkshire Steam Train day trip.

Travel tips

Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot, this can save you time and often provide discounts compared to on-the-day purchases.
Dress in layers and bring a jacket or sweater for potential temperature variations during the journey. The weather in England can change quickly.
Arrive at the station early to find a good seat and enjoy the anticipation of the steam train ride. It's a part of the experience.
Don't forget your camera or smartphone. The train journey offers beautiful scenic views, and you'll want to capture these memories.
Check the facilities available at the stations, like restrooms and if there are any luggage storage or locker options for your belongings.

Yorkshire Steam Train: Day Trips and Tours from York