
National Railway Museum York
Explore a world of steam and steel at the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and railway history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

National Railway Museum York
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a world of steam and steel at the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and railway history.
"A must-visit for anyone in England, with trains from the 1800s to modern day!"

🚶♀️ Avoid Roadworks Walk
Roadworks can make the walk from York Station long. Consider a taxi or park and ride. 🚶
🎟️ Free Entry, Keep Ticket
Admission is free, but hold onto your ticket for the Engine Hall access. 🎟️

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 30,815 reviews
Type
Museum
Address
Website
railwaymuseum.org.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mallard: The World's Fastest Steam Locomotive
Engine Hall
Stand in awe of the iconic LNER Class A4 4468 'Mallard', a true engineering marvel and record-breaker.

Station Hall Refurbishment
Station Hall
Explore the newly refurbished Station Hall, showcasing a vast collection of historic railway artifacts and locomotives.

Royal Carriages
Engine Hall
See the small carriage once used by Queen Victoria, a glimpse into royal travel history.

Flying Scotsman VR Experience
Various locations
Immerse yourself in the golden age of steam with an optional VR experience featuring the legendary Flying Scotsman.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Plan Your Arrival
Bookings & Special Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Avoid Roadworks Walk
Roadworks can make the walk from York Station long. Consider a taxi or park and ride. 🚶
🎟️ Free Entry, Keep Ticket
Admission is free, but hold onto your ticket for the Engine Hall access. 🎟️
☕ Cafe Options
Two cafes are available, but tables can be limited during peak times. ☕
🚂 Miniature Railway Fun
Enjoy a ride on the miniature railway for a different perspective of the museum. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Avoid Roadworks Walk
Roadworks can make the walk from York Station long. Consider a taxi or park and ride. 🚶
🎟️ Free Entry, Keep Ticket
Admission is free, but hold onto your ticket for the Engine Hall access. 🎟️
☕ Cafe Options
Two cafes are available, but tables can be limited during peak times. ☕
🚂 Miniature Railway Fun
Enjoy a ride on the miniature railway for a different perspective of the museum. :train2:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of iconic locomotives like the Mallard and Flying Scotsman. 📷
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Railway Museum for its impressive collection and free entry, making it a highly recommended attraction. While the museum itself is a hit, some reviewers mention that roadworks can make access more challenging than expected. The VR experiences and family-friendly amenities are also frequently highlighted as positives.
"Really enjoyable afternoon.
There is quite a long walk to the museum now because of the road works on Leeman Road.
The museum is free to visit but you can make a donation.
It is £10 to park in the car park across the road.
I did not book online but there was still plenty of room in the museum. Wide variety of trains, cafe and gift shop. Plenty of toilets including disabled.
You do need to keep your ticket for the newly refurbished engine hall. There is a miniature railway and play area too and another cafe.
Certainly worth a visit."
Ann James
"This is another of those places that everyone visiting England needs to attend.
I have never seen anything comparable in any other country.
They have trains from the early 1800's to modern day.
If you have never stood beside an engine that has 8 driving wheels that are 8 feet in diameter, then run to this site.
Free to get in, it would be a bargain at 20 pounds entry fee.
Cannot wait to go back, but only after they fix the roads getting there
Construction makes a 45 minute walk out of a 15 minute one."
Stephen G
"Lots of interesting locos, plenty of steam including the famous Mallard, and a few diesel models. It'll take you and hour or so to take everything in. There is a Flying Scotsman VR experience at extra cost although the museum itself is free entry. I didn't do the VR so I can't rate it here. There are 2 cafés inside, but limited amount of tables. Lots of signs and nameplates on display. One downside is if you're walking from town the walk is very long as you have to walk all the way around the museum grounds which is long!! There is a road train available at £5pp from the minster. Worth a visit, but not as pleasing on the eyes as the Spoor
weg in Utrecht which is in a more modern building."
NS.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historically, there was a 'shortcut' via a footbridge. However, roadworks on Leeman Road can significantly impact walking routes, making it a longer journey than usual. It's recommended to check current conditions or consider a taxi.
Yes, there is a car park across the road from the museum, which costs £10. Alternatively, using the park and ride and then a bus or taxi is a popular option.
Yes, you can walk from the city center, but be aware that the route can be quite long, especially if you have to walk around the museum grounds. A road train service is available from the Minster for £5 per person.
The museum is well-served by public transport. York Station is nearby, and local buses also stop close to the museum. The park and ride system is also a convenient option.
The museum is generally open daily, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially around public holidays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the National Railway Museum is free. Donations are welcome to support the museum's operations and preservation efforts.
While booking online isn't strictly necessary as there's usually plenty of room, it can be a good idea during peak times or if you plan to visit specific ticketed events.
While entry is free, some special experiences, such as the Flying Scotsman VR experience, incur an additional charge.
The Engine Hall has been recently refurbished and houses many of the museum's most impressive locomotives. You need to keep your general admission ticket to access this area.
As the museum is free to enter, there are no standard discounts. However, special events or exhibitions might have separate ticketing with potential concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Mallard', the world's fastest steam locomotive, and the 'Station Hall' with its extensive collection. The royal carriages also offer a unique historical perspective.
Absolutely! The museum features a miniature railway, a play area, and interactive exhibits that children, especially those who love trains, will thoroughly enjoy.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the museum, but you could easily spend longer if you're a keen railway enthusiast.
Yes, the museum offers various interactive elements, including the miniature railway and a play area for younger visitors. The VR experience also provides an immersive activity.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive locomotives and exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are two cafes within the museum offering refreshments. However, seating can be limited during busy periods.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks for consumption in designated areas or during a picnic, though purchasing from the cafes supports the museum.
The cafes typically offer a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages suitable for a museum visit.
Being located in York, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the city center, a short walk or bus ride away, offering a wider variety of dining choices.
The museum has a play area and reading nook, suggesting a family-friendly atmosphere in its dining facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The Engine Hall, with its grand locomotives like the Mallard, and the Station Hall offer excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior of the museum also provides good shots.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with museum staff upon arrival to ensure compliance with their photography guidelines.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
The 'Mallard', the 'Flying Scotsman' (even if just for the VR experience), and the various royal carriages are highly photogenic.
Visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons can help you avoid the largest crowds, making it easier to frame your shots without obstructions.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit