Skipton has a railway station with regular services to Leeds (about 50 minutes) and Bradford (around 40 minutes). From Leeds there are connections to London, Manchester, and the rest of the national network. The train is the easiest way to arrive if you are coming from Leeds or Bradford; the line runs through attractive Aire Valley scenery on the approach.
By road, Skipton sits on the A59 between Harrogate and Preston, and the A65 leads north into the Dales toward Grassington and Settle. From the south, the M65 and A629 connect to the motorway network. Parking in the town centre is available at several car parks off the High Street. Coaches from Leeds and Bradford serve the town.