Manchester Airport to Leeds Trains From £7.50*

What amenities are there in the TransPennine Express Standard Class? 

Standard Class on TransPennine Express offers comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi on most services, table seating and plug sockets at many seats.

Is TransPennine Express First Class worth it? 

Offering wider seats and extra legroom, First Class is available on selected TransPennine Express services, and can be a worthwhile upgrade for those who prefer quieter carriages for a more relaxed journey and complimentary refreshments served to their seat.

How much luggage space is there on TransPennine Express trains? 

TransPennine Express offers ample luggage space, allowing passengers to carry up to three pieces of baggage at no extra cost. Smaller bags can be stowed in overhead compartments or beneath seats, while larger suitcases can be placed in designated luggage zones located at either end of every carriage.

Is there food and drink on TransPennine Express trains? 

Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on many TransPennine Express services, with First Class passengers receiving complimentary refreshments as part of their ticket on many services.

At around 40 miles, the journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Leeds heads east across the Pennines through some of the most dramatic scenery in northern England before arriving in the heart of West Yorkshire. Here are a few station tips to help your trip go smoothly at either end.

Manchester Airport: Getting to the Platform

Manchester Airport station sits directly beneath the terminal complex, connected to both buildings via the SkyLink walkway above the platforms. The station is step-free throughout, with Metrolink trams running every 12 minutes to the city centre from an adjacent stop.

• The Platform Tip: Services to Leeds depart from the station's main platforms. Platforms are only confirmed shortly before boarding, so do check the departure boards before heading down, and allow a few extra minutes if you’re connecting from the terminal buildings via the Sky Link.
• Pre-Departure: Refreshments, shops and free Wi-Fi are available at the station, with a ticket office open daily until 22:30. Or, if you have time before your train departs, the terminal buildings above offer a much wider range of food and drink options.

Onboard trains from Manchester Airport to Leeds

• The View Alert: Sit on the left-hand side for the best views of the Pennine moorland as the train climbs through the hills between Manchester and Huddersfield, with the upland landscape opening up as the line drops down towards Leeds.
• Key Landmarks: The route east crosses open moorland and deep river valleys before the Colne Valley opens up on the descent into Huddersfield, with mill towns and wooded hillsides stretching away to the south.

Arriving at Leeds

One of the most important railway hubs in the north of England, Leeds station sits on New Station Street just south of City Square and in the heart of the city's commercial district. With 18 platforms, it’s the second busiest station in northern England.

• The New Station Street Exit: The main exit leads out to Leeds Interchange on New Station Street, where Bus services connect to destinations across West Yorkshire, and taxis are available from the 24-hour rank. The city centre is within easy walking distance, with the Victorian arcades, Trinity Leeds and the Headrow all just a short walk away.
• The City Square Exit: Head this way for City Square and Leeds' business and cultural district, with the city’s main shopping streets and principal venues all within easy reach.
• Onward Travel: Leeds city centre is compact and can be easily navigated on foot. For Granary Wharf and the canal quarter beneath the station's Victorian arches, the southern entrance provides a direct route across the River Aire.