Travel in York

York is a compact city with plenty of things to do within the city walls and beyond. This ancient city is best explored on foot, and it’s easy to get from one side of the city centre to the other in just 20 minutes.

View details of all current temporary road closures in place in York, including closures due to major events.

Operated by the City of York Council, iTravel York is a fantastic resource packed with useful information on travelling around York. You can easily plan your journey and get more information on walking, cycling, buses and driving in the city. Additionally it provides real time news and updates to help you travel around York. For more information please visit iTravel.

If you're travelling into York by car, use one of the six ideally located Park & Rides sites surrounding the city for a hassle-free journey. Just leave your car safe and secure at one of the free parking spaces and hop on the bus to York city centre. www.itravelyork.info/park-and-ride

First Buses also run their services in York. For full timetables please visit www.firstgroup.com/york. 

First Bus Space Checker - the brand new tool from First Bus to help you plan ahead and travel with confidence. Space Checker allows you to see when your favourite bus stop and service is typically at its busiest and choose a quieter time to travel. Designed using recent passenger data, this new platform acts as a prediction of how much space will be available on your service - up to 7 days in advance.

To access many of York's out of town attractions and the coast use the local Coastliner service which runs regular services including Leeds, Malton, Pickering, Scarborough, Filey and Whitby. For more information please click HERE. For up-to-date customer and service information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) please see here.

Stephenson of Easingwold buses run services to Castle Howard – where you can also get a discounted entry into the house on presentation of your ticket. Buses also have routes to Ampleforth Abbey, Easingwold and Helmsley. For timetables and information please check www.stephensonsofeasingwold.co.uk

Best of Britain Holidays offer great day trips from York, and include routes to the Yorkshire Dales, Castle Howard, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Whitby. Tickets are available to buy from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre or online.

Taxis and car hire in York
York is serviced by many taxi companies. Find out more about taxi services and car hire HERE.

You can enjoy an active holiday for all the family with a cycling break in York! York is the perfect base for all kinds of biking adventures, from leisurely rides around the city to exciting rural routes over moorland and through forests. Explore York by bike with a guided cycling tour to experience the city’s rich history, or hire one yourself for a solo adventure. York has plenty of choice for bike hire, with companies offering something for everyone from road bikes and mountain bikes to children’s bikes and specially adapted bikes. Please click HERE for all the options.

Q: Where is York train station and how easy is it to use?
 A: York train station is just outside the city walls, a short walk from the city centre. It has frequent services across the UK and clear signage for arrivals, departures and onward travel.

Q: Where can I check York train arrivals?
 A: Real-time arrivals and departures for York train station are available on National Rail and train operator websites. Live updates help you plan your onward journey.

Q: What are the best ways to travel around York without a car?
 A: York is a compact, walkable city with excellent bus services, cycle routes and Park & Ride options. Many attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

Q: Can I cycle around York?
 A: Yes, York has dedicated cycle paths and access to National Cycle Network routes. You can also hire a bike or join a guided cycling tour.

Q: How easy is it to get around York without a car?
A: York is a compact city, and most key attractions are within a short walk of each other. You can cross the city centre in around 20 minutes, making walking one of the easiest ways to explore.

Q: What buses run in York?
A: York is served by First Bus and several local operators. Services run across the city and to nearby towns, with frequent buses into and around the city centre.

Q: Where can I find York bus timetables?
A: Bus timetables for First Bus and other operators are available on their websites and through iTravel York, which provides an overview of routes, updates and journey-planning tools.

Q: How can I check how busy my bus will be?
A: First Bus offers a Space Checker tool that predicts how busy a service is likely to be up to seven days in advance. It helps you choose quieter times to travel.

Q: Are there buses from York to the Yorkshire coast and nearby attractions?
A: Yes, the Coastliner service connects York with places like Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Malton and Leeds. Other local buses also run to Castle Howard, Ampleforth Abbey and Helmsley.

Q: What train companies operate in York?
A: York is served by several rail companies including LNER, TransPennine Express, Grand Central and others. These provide direct links across the UK.

Q: Where can I find real-time travel updates for York?
A: iTravel York offers live information on buses, cycling routes, road closures and travel conditions around the city.

Q: Are taxis and cycle hire available in York?
A: York has several taxi firms and options for hiring cars or bicycles. Cycle hire ranges from city bikes to mountain bikes, with guided cycling tours also available.