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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Yorkshire, England

Air Travel to Whitby

Teesside International MME

Closest, approximately 40 miles (about a 1-hour drive) north-west of Whitby. Limited domestic and international flights.

Details

  • Location: Smallest and closest airport to Whitby.
  • Airlines: Loganair, KLM, Ryanair, and TUI.
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour drive to Whitby.

Leeds Bradford LBA

Medium-sized airport, about 65 miles (a 1.5-2 hour drive) south-west of Whitby. Serves domestic and European flights.

Details

  • Location: 65 miles (1.5-2 hour drive) south-west of Whitby.
  • Airlines: Mainly budget airlines like Ryanair and Jet2, along with KLM and Aer Lingus.
  • Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours drive to Whitby.

Manchester Airport MAN

The largest international hub in the North of England, approximately 100 miles (2-2.5 hour drive) south-west of Whitby. It has direct flights from many global destinations.

Newcastle International NCL

Located about 70 miles (a 1.5-2 hour drive) north of Whitby. It handles domestic and European flights. All major airports have standard facilities like car rental, shops, and free Wi-Fi.

Flight Price Fluctuations

Flight prices generally increase during peak summer (July-August) and school holidays. Booking flights well in advance (3-6 months) often obtains better prices. Mid-week travel is sometimes more affordable than weekend travel.

Transfers to Whitby

Manchester Airport MAN Transfers

  • Train: Direct trains connect Manchester Airport to York (approx. 1.5 hours). From York, connecting trains reach Middlesbrough, then a local service to Whitby. Total train journey is sometimes 3-4 hours.
  • Bus: National Express coaches operate services from Manchester Airport to Leeds or York, from where you can find connecting bus or train services to Whitby.
  • Car Hire: Available at the airport. The drive to Whitby is 2-2.5 hours, traffic depending.
  • Taxi: Direct taxis can be arranged, but are expensive for this distance.

Leeds Bradford LBA Transfers

  • Bus/Train: A frequent bus service (Flyer A1) connects the airport to Leeds city center. From Leeds, take a train to Middlesbrough, then to Whitby. The total journey usually is 2.5-3.5 hours.
  • Car Hire: Available at the airport. The drive to Whitby is 1.5-2 hours.
  • Taxi: Direct taxis from LBA to Whitby can be arranged.
  • Teesside International (MME) Transfers: Short bus/taxi to Dinsdale station, then train to Middlesbrough, then Whitby. Car hire available, drive is about 1 hour.

Flight Search Resources

Dollar Flight Club

Find deals on flights worldwide, including to the UK. Visit Site

Skyscanner

Compare flight prices from various airlines and travel agents for your journey. Visit Site

AirHelp

Get assistance if your flight is delayed or canceled, potentially helping you receive compensation. Visit Site

Land Travel to Whitby

Train Connections

Whitby's train station is served by the Esk Valley Railway line. This scenic route connects Whitby to Middlesbrough, passing through picturesque villages.

Details

  • Whitby Station: Terminus for the Esk Valley line, operated by Northern Rail.
  • National Connections: From Middlesbrough, regular services connect to the wider UK rail network.
  • Connections to major cities like York, Leeds, Newcastle, and direct services to London King's Cross.

Long-Distance Bus Options

National Express operates coaches to Scarborough, Middlesbrough, and other major UK towns.

Details

  • From these hubs, you can find connecting local bus services to Whitby.
  • Arriva/Coastliner provide local and regional bus services connecting Whitby directly to Scarborough and Middlesbrough.
  • The Coastliner X4 service connects Whitby with coastal villages and Scarborough.

Self-Driving Considerations

Whitby is accessible via the A171 (from Middlesbrough and Scarborough) and the A169 (from Pickering, crossing the North York Moors).

Requirements & Rules

  • Driving Side: In the UK, you drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • License: A valid driving license from your home country is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for some non-EU licenses.
  • Fuel: Petrol (gasoline) and Diesel are widely available at service stations along main routes.

Road Conditions & Parking

Roads leading to and from Whitby are generally well-maintained. The A169 across the North York Moors presents a scenic but winding drive.

Considerations

  • The A169 can be subject to snow or icy conditions in winter. Exercise caution on narrow country roads.
  • Parking in Whitby can be challenging, especially during peak season. Several large pay-and-display car parks are available.
  • Consider parking on the outskirts or using park and ride schemes if available during busy periods.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Whitby's historic port is not a hub for large international passenger ferries or cruise ship arrivals.
  • Closest major ferry ports for international arrivals are Hull (P&O Ferries from Rotterdam/Zeebrugge) and Newcastle (DFDS Seaways from Amsterdam).
  • The River Esk is not used for significant passenger transport to the town, only small pleasure boats within the harbor.
  • For international ferry arrivals into the UK, standard UK immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation.
  • From Hull or Newcastle ferry terminals, onward travel to Whitby is typically by train, bus, or car hire.
  • There are no specific exit fees or taxes for departing from UK airports or ports.

Departure Information

Airport Departures

For international flights from UK airports, plan your arrival well in advance.

Airport Timing

  • Arrive at the airport typically 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any unforeseen delays.
  • UK airports and major train stations have check-in counters, security, shops, and food outlets.

Train and Bus Departures

For train or bus departures from Whitby, allow enough time to settle in.

Station Timing

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to find your platform or stop.
  • Whitby's train and bus stations have basic waiting areas.
  • Ensure you have your tickets ready for inspection.

No Exit Fees

There are no specific exit fees or taxes for departing from UK airports or ports.

Rental Returns

If you rented a car, plan ample time for its return, considering traffic and airport location.

Onward Journey

Confirm your onward travel connections from your departure point to your next destination.

Car Rental Resources

DiscoverCars.com

A platform to compare car rental deals from various providers globally, including for your trip to the UK.

Booking Benefits

  • Compare prices and vehicle types from multiple companies in one place.
  • Often finds competitive rates for rentals from major airports and cities.
  • Book your car in advance, especially for peak travel seasons.

Other Major Providers

You can also check directly with well-known international car rental companies.

Direct Booking

  • Consider Enterprise for options from major UK cities.
  • Hertz, Avis, and Budget are also major car rental providers with airport locations.
  • Remember that no major rental companies have offices directly in Whitby.

Road Conditions and Safety

Driving Side

In the UK, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Speed Limits

Typically 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.

Roads & Parking

Roads leading to and from Whitby are generally well-maintained. Parking in Whitby is limited, especially during peak season.

Travel Planning Note

Consider booking train tickets in advance for potentially lower "Advance" fares. Train travel is sometimes a relaxing way to arrive in Whitby, and the journey along the Esk Valley line presents charming views.