Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield Trains From £3.25*

Travel by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield with East Midlands Railway, and arrive in just 49 min with their fastest train. The 52 km (32 mile) route will fly by as you zip past the rugged hillsides and beautiful Edale and Hope Valleys, with views of the South Pennines to admire.

This route is offered by East Midlands Railway, among others, which provides both long-distance intercity and regional train services connecting the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and London St. Pancras.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

One of the UK’s busiest railway stations, Manchester Piccadilly is centrally located in the southeast of Manchester and provides excellent access to the rest of the city. If you aren’t within walking distance, you can reach it via the Metrolink tram or the free bus routes 1 and 2. With plenty of shops and eateries, your pre-departure experience will be a joy.

Manchester Piccadilly is currently served by six train operators: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern Trains, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales. These companies offer services to many major destinations in the UK, such as London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Wales and various destinations in Northern England.

Main stops

Express lines from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield with East Midlands Railway and TransPennine Express will typically just stop at Stockport, with some EMR routes also stopping at Chinley and Dore & Totley.

Northern will usually stop at several stations, including Reddish North, Edale, Bamford and Dore & Totley. As you can see, your stops will depend on the train operator, time of departure and route.

Arriving at Sheffield

Sheffield railway station is located on Sheaf Street, on the edge of the city centre. You have many options for arriving from the centre, such as via bus, the Blue line of the Sheffield Supertram, or walking, at just 10 minutes from the centre and 25 from the University of Sheffield campus.

The station offers direct intercity train services, connections to Manchester Airport and Supertram integration. Sheffield station is very well-connected to many major destinations in the UK, including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. 

Once you arrive, we recommend taking a short walk to Victoria Quays and strolling along the canals and boats to stretch your legs after your journey. Not too far from the station you’ll also find the Crucible Theatre, making Sheffield Station a super convenient station for travelling to attend the World Snooker Championship.

East Midlands Railway train classes

If you’re travelling to Sheffield with East Midlands Railway, you can choose between two train classes.

• Standard Class: EMR’s Standard Class offers comfortable seating, with either tables or tray tables and free Wi-Fi. Some trains also offer catering.
• First Class: The Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield First Class experience offers roomier seating with a table, quieter carriages and refreshments from Monday to Saturday.

East Midlands Railway train travel advice

Ensure your train ride with EMR is smooth sailing by reviewing our handy travel tips before you set off.

• Luggage: One large piece of luggage and one small bag are permitted onboard. Luggage racks are reserved for larger luggage.
• Bicycles: Bike space on the Manchester to Sheffield route requires reservation during summer months. Two bikes only per train. Folding bikes can be stored in luggage compartments. No e-scooters.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, 5–15s travel for half-price. Use Railcards to save on fares with older children, such as the 16–27 Saver Railcard or the 16–24 Student Railcard.
• Pets: Up to two pets travel free. Must be transported in a pet carrier, or optionally on a lead for dogs. You must ensure your pet(s) don’t take up passenger space. Pets are permitted in First Class carriages.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can benefit from help planning and booking their travel, navigating the station and train and carrying luggage. Book up to two hours before travel.

Get from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield in a jiffy with TransPennine Express direct trains, just 55 min long. The route passes through quaint towns and villages such as High Lane, Buxworth and Bamford, offering you glimpses into rural life before the scenery gradually becomes more urban again as you approach the South Yorkshire town of Sheffield.

TransPennine Express operates regional and inter-city trains in Northern England and Scotland, owing its name to the Pennine mountain range, the south of which you will pass by on this South Route. Other routes from this operator are the North Route and the Anglo-Scottish Route.

TransPennine train classes

You can choose from Standard and First Class travel options on TransPennine Express’ trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield.

• Standard Class: Free Wi-Fi and plug sockets at table seats.
• First Class: Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield First Class trains include roomier reclining seats, more legroom and plug points at every seat. A complimentary food service is also offered on specific routes.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

Board your TransPennine Express trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield with confidence with these travel tips up your sleeve.

• Luggage: You can bring up to three pieces of luggage to be stored in the overhead racks or large luggage compartments.
• Bicycles: Reservations necessary for full-size bikes. Secure bike sheds are also provided at TPE stations free of charge. No e-scooters.
• Children: Two under 5s travel free with an adult ticket. 5–15-year-olds travel for half price. Use a Railcard for further savings on family travel.
• Pets: Up to two pets travel free, must be transported in a carrier or optionally on a lead for dogs.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers with additional needs can benefit from help with boarding and navigating trains, assistance in the station and help with luggage. Booking is available in advance.

Another option for your route from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield is Northern Trains. With routes taking 1 hr 17 min, this operator takes a slightly different route through the towns of Bredbury and Marple instead of Stockport, and rejoining to offer you the same scenic views of Hope Valley and Padley Gorge

Northern provides train services across Northern England, with intercity routes to destinations like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, as well as local commuter services.

Northern train classes

Northern trains only offer Standard Cass across their fleets. Their new and upgraded trains have free Wi-Fi, and passengers with additional needs can benefit from priority seating.

By booking in advance on TrainPal, you can get the cheapest tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield.

Northern train travel advice

Below you will find our top tips for travelling with Northern Trains, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve prepared for your trip as best as possible.

• Luggage: Northern asks that travellers do not board with excessive luggage and that they store it in the dedicated compartments.
• Bicycles: Bicycle space is assigned on a first come, first served basis, free of charge. Bike storage is also available at some stations.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, 5–15-year-olds travel half-price. Children over 16 can use the 16–27 Saver Railcard or the 16–24 Railcard.
• Pets: Up to two small pets travel free. Must be placed in a carrier to be placed out of the way of other passengers. Dogs can travel on a lead.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers requiring assistance can book Passenger Assist on Northern trains for help planning travel and navigating stations and trains.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.