Manchester to Leeds train with Transpennine Express

Trains from Manchester to Leeds

There are frequent trains from Manchester to Leeds, and travelling on these is a good way to beat traffic and arrive relaxed and ready to work or explore. The service is provided by two operators, First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail. Departures are from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria stations, with all routes terminating at Leeds Railway Station on New Station Street. The journey takes from approximately 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, with departures throughout the day and night, seven days a week. 

Manchester to Leeds train times: Daily departures

There are several dozen trains from Manchester to Leeds every day of the week. There's one departure per hour in the early morning and then up to nine hourly departures throughout the day until late at night. All trains are direct. 

How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Leeds?

All trains running from Manchester to Leeds are direct. The quickest services take approximately 50 minutes to one hour, while other departures can take 1.5 hours to reach Leeds.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Leeds?

Departure train station: Trains from Manchester to Leeds depart from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria. Both stations are centrally located and within a few minutes' walk from the city centre. They're also linked to local bus and tram services. They have a good range of facilities, including car parking, taxi ranks, ticket offices, toilets, waiting areas, payphones, WiFi, shops, and refreshments. Both stations have step-free access in passenger areas and adapted toilets, as well as induction loops. Further assistance can be requested if required. 

Arrival train station: Trains from Manchester to Leeds arrive at Leeds Railway Station on New Station Street. This modern station is just a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Leeds has an excellent network of local buses. Among the facilities at Leeds Railway Station are a taxi rank, car parking, a ticket office, toilets, waiting areas, luggage storage, ATMs, payphones, shops, and cafés. The station is step-free, and induction loops and accessible toilets are available. Passengers with limited mobility can request extra assistance if needed.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Leeds?

Trains from Manchester to Leeds are operated by First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail. Northern Rail trains run from Manchester Victoria to Leeds, while First TransPennine services depart from Piccadilly and Victoria stations.

First TransPennine Express Manchester to Leeds

Trains from Manchester to Leeds operated by First TransPennine Express start departing in the early hours of the morning. There are then several departures an hour until late at night. All routes are direct and have journey times from approximately 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. 

Northern Rail Manchester to Leeds

Northern Rail trains from Manchester to Leeds start running during the morning rush hour and continue throughout the day until late evening. There are up to three departures an hour. All trains leave from Manchester Victoria Station and have journey times of just under 1.5 hours.

Manchester to Leeds trains: Services on board

While just standard tickets are available on Northern Rail trains, First TransPennine Express services offer both first-class and standard tickets. Both trains have ample luggage storage in the carriages and there are no specific limits on the amount of luggage passengers can bring, as long as they can carry their own luggage onto the train.

Both providers allow bicycles to be carried, but on First TransPennine Express routes, spaces have to be prebooked. First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail allow two dogs on leads or small pets in appropriate carriers, including service animals. All trains have space for wheelchairs and accessible toilets. Some first-class carriages on First TransPennine Express trains don't have wheelchair space.

How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Leeds

There are two ways to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Leeds. The first is to book online in advance. Money can also be saved by being flexible about travel dates and times - peak-hour tickets are often more expensive than off-peak tickets.