Scarborough

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How to get to Scarborough

Scarborough is a town in North Yorkshire, England, known for its historic castle, beautiful coastline, and seaside attractions. How you get to Scarborough depends on your starting point and mode of transportation.

Once you arrive, Scarborough offers plenty of parking, a train station in the town center, and easy access to its beaches, castle, and other attractions.

By Road

  1. From London:
    • Take the A1(M) northbound toward Yorkshire.
    • Continue onto the A64, which leads directly to Scarborough.
    • The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
  2. From York:
    • Take the A64 eastbound toward Scarborough.
    • The drive takes about 1 hour.
  3. From Leeds:
    • Take the A64 eastbound via York.
    • The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Bus/Coach:

  1. National Express:
    • Coaches run from major cities like London, Manchester, and Leeds to Scarborough.
    • Journeys can take longer than trains, but they are often more affordable.
  2. Local Buses:
    • Regional buses connect Scarborough to nearby towns and cities.

MAJOR ROADS
Scarborough has four major roads that lead to the town.
A64 – This starts as A64(M) ring road near Leeds then goes Eastward towards York, Malton and Scarborough. For most of the journey from Leeds to Malton it is dual carriageway with the route going past York and bypassing Tadcaster & Malton. The route from Malton to Scarborough is mainly single carriageway.
A171 – Starts in the Middlesbrough area then heads to Guisborough then through The North York Moors National Park to Whitby then on to Scarborough.
A165 – Starts in the Kingston upon Hull area passing through many villages until Bridlington then progressing to Scarborough. The road is mainly a single carriageway.
A170 – The main road from Thirsk that passes though many villages, the town of Pickering going on to Scarborough. The road is mainly single carriageway.

By Train

  1. From London:

    • Take a train from London King’s Cross to York.

    • Transfer to a connecting train to Scarborough.

    • The total journey takes around 3 to 4 hours.

  2. From York:

    • Direct trains run from York to Scarborough, taking about 50 minutes.

  3. From Manchester:

    • Take a train to York or Leeds, then transfer to a Scarborough-bound train.

    • The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

By Sea

Traveling to Scarborough by sea is a unique and scenic option, especially if you’re arriving from nearby coastal locations or enjoying a nautical adventure. Scarborough has a historic harbor that accommodates boats and small vessels. Here’s how you can reach Scarborough by sea:

  1. Private Boat or Yacht:

    • If you have access to a private boat, you can sail to Scarborough Harbor, which offers mooring facilities. The harbor is well-equipped and provides easy access to the town center.

    • Be sure to check tide times and weather conditions before setting sail.

  2. Ferry Services (Seasonal or Charter):

    • While there are no regular ferry services to Scarborough, some seasonal or charter boat trips may operate from nearby coastal towns like Whitby or Bridlington.

    • These trips are often leisure-focused and provide stunning views of the Yorkshire coastline.

  3. Cruise Ships:

    • Occasionally, small cruise ships or coastal excursion vessels may include Scarborough as a stop on their itinerary. Check with cruise operators for availability.

Arriving by sea offers a picturesque approach to Scarborough, with views of its iconic castle perched on the cliffs and the bustling harbor below. Once docked, you’re just a short walk from the town’s attractions, including the beach, shops, and restaurants.

By Air

  • The nearest major airport is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car or train.

  • From the airport, you can rent a car or take public transport to Scarborough.

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