National Railway Museum | Everything You Need to Know

Step into the fascinating world of rail transport at the National Railway Museum in York, England, widely regarded as the largest railway museum in the world. Housed in expansive railway sheds, this museum offers an immersive experience, showcasing over 100 locomotives and thousands of railway-related artifacts. From the record-breaking steam locomotive Mallard to the iconic Flying Scotsman and a rare Japanese Bullet Train, the museum tells the story of Britain’s railway heritage and its global impact.

With free admission, interactive exhibits like Wonderlab, and a virtual reality experience, it’s a must-visit for train enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the engineering marvels that shaped modern travel.

Location

The National Railway Museum is located at Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ, England. Positioned just beside York Railway Station, it’s easily accessible by train. The museum is also a short 15-minute walk from York City Centre or 5–10 minutes from the station. Nearby landmarks include York Minster and the historic Shambles. For precise navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps with the postcode YO26 4XJ.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. It is closed on 24–26 December and has scheduled closures on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 June 2025. The Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery operates from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Café hours vary:

• Great Hall Café: Term time: 10:00 AM–2:30 PM (Monday–Friday), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (weekends); school holidays: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.
• Wonderlab Café: Term time: 11:00 AM–4:30 PM (Monday–Friday), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (weekends); school holidays: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM daily.

Check the National Railway Museum website for the latest schedule, as some areas, like Station Hall, may be closed due to ongoing renovations.

How to Get There

The museum’s central location makes it easily accessible:

• By Train: York Railway Station, a major hub, is a 5–10-minute walk away. Exit the station, turn left past the Principal Hotel, and continue onto Leeman Road through a tunnel. Alternatively, use the footbridge within the station for direct access.
• By Bus: Regular buses (e.g., lines 412, 840, 843, ZAP) stop near the museum, connecting to York City Centre. Check schedules at Moovit.
• By Car: The museum’s car park on Leeman Road costs £10 per day and closes at 6:30 PM. Limited spaces fill up quickly during weekends and holidays. Blue badge holders park free with a valid badge. Alternative parking is available at Marygate car park, a 10–15-minute walk away.
• By Road Train: A wheelchair-accessible road train runs every 30 minutes from York Minster (Duncombe Place) to the museum for £3.50 each way, operating 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (3:30 PM in winter).
• Tips: Use apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates if driving. The walk from York Railway Station is scenic and well-signposted.

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, particularly outside school holidays, as weekends and holidays can be busy. Early mornings (10:00 AM–11:00 AM) or late afternoons (after 3:00 PM) are ideal to avoid crowds. The museum’s indoor setting makes it a great choice for rainy days, though York’s weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts. Special events, like the Flying Scotsman VR experience, may draw larger crowds, so plan accordingly.

Tickets and Costs

Admission to the main museum is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction. However, some experiences have fees:

Experience	Price
Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery	£5.00 (ages 5+)
Flying Scotsman VR Experience	£7.00 (ages 8+)
Road Train	£3.50 each way

• Free Entry: No charge for general admission, though a £5 voluntary donation is encouraged.
• Discounts: The York Pass offers free road train access and discounts at the museum’s café. Check York Pass for details.
• How to Purchase: Book free admission tickets and paid experiences online at National Railway Museum Tickets to save time, especially during peak periods. Walk-up entry is available, but non-ticket holders may face longer waits.
• Additional Costs: Parking is £10 per day (free for blue badge holders). Café and gift shop purchases are extra.

What to Expect

A visit to the National Railway Museum is a journey through over 300 years of railway history. Key highlights include:

• Great Hall: Home to iconic locomotives like Mallard (world’s fastest steam locomotive at 126 mph), Stirling Single, Duchess of Hamilton, and a Japanese 0 Series Shinkansen, the only bullet train displayed outside Japan.
• Flying Scotsman Exhibit: Features the famous steam engine, with a VR experience (£7) that simulates a 100 mph ride.
• Station Hall: Showcases royal carriages used by monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II (note: currently closed for renovations until 2025).
• Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery: An interactive space with hands-on exhibits, including a human wind tunnel, rocket launches, and earthquake-resistant structure building.
• Signalling Gallery: Offers views of York Railway Station and insights into York’s role as a railway hub.

A typical visit lasts 1.5–2 hours, but enthusiasts may spend longer exploring the extensive collection, library, and archive. Facilities include two cafés (Great Hall and Wonderlab), a gift shop with railway-themed souvenirs, restrooms, and water refill stations. The museum also offers a free audio guide via the National Railway Museum app.

Safety and Accessibility

• Safety: The museum collaborates with North Yorkshire Police’s Project Servator officers for enhanced security. Visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity to staff or police. Be cautious of uneven surfaces in some exhibit areas.
• Accessibility: The museum is highly accessible, with ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. Limited accessible changing facilities are available; contact info@sciencemuseumgroup.ac.uk in advance to arrange access. The nearest Changing Places facility is at York Station. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The road train is wheelchair-accessible via a rear ramp. Some areas, like Station Hall, may be inaccessible due to renovations.
• Family-Friendly: The museum is stroller-friendly, with interactive exhibits like Wonderlab ideal for children. High chairs and bottle-warming facilities are available in the cafés.

History and Background

Established in 1975 as part of the Science Museum Group, the National Railway Museum is dedicated to preserving Britain’s railway heritage. It houses the national collection of approximately 280 rail vehicles, with around 100 displayed at York, alongside thousands of artifacts, from early wagonway vehicles (circa 1815) to modern high-speed trains. Notable exhibits include a replica of George Stephenson’s Rocket (1829), the first “modern” steam locomotive, and the Chinese Class KF7, built in Britain.

The museum’s library and archive, with over 20,000 books and 1.75 million photographs, is a treasure trove for researchers. It won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2001, cementing its status as a world-class institution. Fun fact: The museum’s Japanese Shinkansen, donated in 2001, is one of only two displayed outside Japan.

Nearby Attractions

York is a historic city with numerous attractions near the museum:

• York Minster (10-minute walk or road train): A magnificent Gothic cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows.
• Shambles (15-minute walk): A picturesque medieval street with timber-framed buildings.
• York Castle Museum (20-minute walk): Explores everyday life through recreated historical settings.
• Jorvik Viking Centre (15-minute walk): An immersive journey into Viking-age York.
• York’s Chocolate Story (15-minute walk): A fun look at York’s chocolate-making heritage.
• Castle Howard (15 miles, 30-minute drive): A grand stately home with beautiful gardens.
• York Maze (5 miles, 15-minute drive): A seasonal corn maze attraction.
• Clifford’s Tower (15-minute walk): A historic castle with panoramic city views.

Combine these for a full day of exploration, with short walking or driving times from the museum.

Practical Tips

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for the large exhibition halls and bring a rain jacket or umbrella for York’s unpredictable weather. A water bottle and camera are useful.
• Rules: Photography is allowed for personal use, but tripods and drones are prohibited. Follow staff instructions, especially in interactive areas like Wonderlab.
• Recommendations: Arrive early (around 10:00 AM) or late (after 3:00 PM) to avoid crowds. Book special experiences like Wonderlab or Flying Scotsman VR in advance at National Railway Museum Tickets. Check the Visit Page for updates on closures, as Station Hall is currently closed for renovations. Download the museum’s app for a free audio guide.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of the National Railway Museum?

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. It’s closed on 24–26 December and on 4–5 June 2025. Check Opening Times for updates.

How much does it cost to visit the National Railway Museum?

General admission is free. Special experiences like Wonderlab (£5) and Flying Scotsman VR (£7) have fees. Book at National Railway Museum Tickets.

Is the National Railway Museum suitable for children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly with interactive exhibits like Wonderlab, stroller access, and kid-friendly displays.

Are there any discounts available for the National Railway Museum?

Admission is free, but the York Pass offers free road train access and café discounts. See York Pass.

How long does it take to visit the National Railway Museum?

A typical visit lasts 1.5–2 hours, but enthusiasts may spend longer exploring all exhibits.

Is photography allowed at the National Railway Museum?

Yes, for personal use, but tripods and drones are not allowed.

Are there guided tours available at the National Railway Museum?

Standard guided tours are not offered, but special events and audio guides are available via the museum’s app.

What’s the best way to get to the National Railway Museum from York City Centre?

Walk (15 minutes), take a bus (lines 412, 840, 843, ZAP), or ride the road train (£3.50) from York Minster.

Is the National Railway Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, with ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities, though some areas may be limited due to renovations. Contact info@sciencemuseumgroup.ac.uk for specific needs.

Are there dining options near the National Railway Museum?

The museum has two cafés (Great Hall and Wonderlab), and York City Centre offers numerous restaurants and pubs within a 15-minute walk.