The Yorkshire Dales is a magical place to arrive by train. We’ve compiled details of a number of routes across the National Park along with walks and activities from the stations. There are plenty of onward connections via other types of transport after you arrive, from local bus services such as the Dalesbus, bike hire and tours/excursions.
Surrounding the National Park we have larger towns and cities including, York, Harrogate, Bradford and Leeds in the south, Lancaster, Preston and Carlisle in the west, and Northallerton and Darlington in the northeast, all of which have rail links into the Dales.
You can view the ‘Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Line’ – Yorkshire Dales National Park rail links and communities map, which shows all the stations in the National Park and links with the west coast and east coast main lines.
Visit the National Rail website to start planning your route.
Settle-Carlisle Railway - Main Line
The Settle–Carlisle line is a famous 73-mile-long main railway line in northern England. The route, which crosses the remote, scenic regions of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, runs between Settle Junction, on the Leeds–Morecambe line, and Carlisle.
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Leeds-Morecambe (Bentham) Railway - Main Line
The Leeds-Morecambe railway runs between Lancaster and Heysham Port with great access to the Dales from the stations Clapham, Gargrave and Long Preston.
Leeds-Morecambe Railway
Wensleydale Railway - Heritage Line
The Wensleydale Railway is a heritage railway in Wensleydale and Lower Swaledale in North Yorkshire. It runs through Wensleydale, from Scruton in the Vale of Mowbray to the village Redmire, on the edge of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales.
Wensleydale Railway
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway - Heritage Line
The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is a heritage railway. It runs four miles between the Embsay Station and Bolton Abbey Station and travels through some dramatic Dales scenery.
Embsay-Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Stainmore Railway - Railway Attraction
Kirkby Stephen East is a historic station and steam railway, which opened in 1861 and served the community around it for 100 years. Now it is cared for by volunteers of the Stainmore Railway Company.
Stainmore Railway
Eden Valley Railway - Heritage Line
The Eden Valley Railway is a heritage railway in Cumbria.
Eden Valley Railway