From the heart of Middlesbrough to the historic seaside town of Whitby, passing through the North York Moors National Park and serving 17 stations along the route.
The Esk Valley Railway connects the rural communities in the North York Moors with the city of Middlesbrough and the historic seaside town of Whitby.
The railway also offers an enjoyable, environmentally-friendly and stress-free way to view and explore this magnificent landscape and lovely villages.
Find out more with the Esk Valley Railway Line Guide here and see the latest timetable for the route here.
Want to see more photographs of this beautiful railway? Take a look at the Esk Valley Railway photo gallery here.
Highlights
Leave the train at Danby to explore the National Park Moors Centre
Discover the seaside town of Whitby and climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey
Marvel at the beautiful North York Moors landscapes from the train
Find out more
Getting there
To Middlesbrough just off the A19. Along the Moors Road (A171) from Middlesbrough to Whitby (or along the Coast Road A174). From Scarborough, Filey & Bridlington, come up the A171. From Pickering, Take the A169 over the Moors to Sleights and then Whitby. There are car parks at both Middlesbrough and Whitby stations, and there is free parking at many of the intermediate stations.
Middlesbrough is on the Transpennine route from York, Leeds and Manchester. It can also be reached by Northern from Darlington, and from London Kings Cross by changing at York. Look up times.
There are Arriva buses to Whitby station from Scarborough (X93) and from Saltburn. There is also a summer Moors Bus Service connecting Guisborough to the Esk Valley Railway at Danby and then onto Pickering and Malton across the moors via Blakey Ridge. Plan your journey using the Traveline website.
Route
Cost
Opening times

Plan your trip
Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Middlesbrough. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 2 hour 15 minutes.
Attractions along the Esk Valley Line include:
Discover the history of Captain James Cook, links to Whitby and tales of his epic voyages of discovery.
Journey time – 6 minute walk from Whitby station
Perched high on a cliff, it's easy to see why the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey were inspiration for Bram Stoker's gothic tale of Dracula.
Journey time – 13 minute walk from Whitby station
More lines to explore nearby
Yorkshire Wolds Coast Line
Tyne Valley Railway
The Bentham Line
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
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Weardale Railway
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