Sheffield to Doncaster Trains From €2.31*

CrossCountry connects the heart of South Yorkshire and offers direct train services from Sheffield to Doncaster, covering the 17-mile journey in as little as 22 minutes. With 110 trains per day, the first departure leaves Sheffield at 05:42, and the final service runs as late as 23:27, making it a convenient option for both early birds and night travellers.

As you pass through stops like Meadowhall and Conisbrough, look for scenic glimpses of the South Yorkshire landscape, which is dotted with industrial heritage and river views.

CrossCountry is one of the UK's leading long-distance rail operators, serving a vast network that spans England, Scotland, and Wales. Known for its Voyager and Turbostar services, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain's 10 largest cities via 111 stations, linking destinations such as Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Cardiff. With direct access to major UK airports like Stansted, Birmingham, and Southampton, it's a go-to service for seamless intercity travel.

Departing from Sheffield

Sheffield railway station is located at Sheaf Street, right in the city centre and adjacent to Sheaf Square, home to the iconic water cascade and stainless steel sculpture. It's a well-connected station, offering excellent bus, tram, car, or bicycle access.

For public transport users, the Sheffield Interchange is just a 2 to 4-minute walk away, while the Sheffield Supertram conveniently stops right beside the station. If you're driving, parking is available at the Q-Park Sheffield Station, adjacent to the taxi rank. Cyclists are also well catered for, with a 24-hour cycle hub offering 400 spaces and changing facilities.

Sheffield station is served by four major train operators: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway (EMR), Northern, and TransPennine Express (TPE). From here, you can travel directly to cities like London, Norwich, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh. EMR runs intercity services to London St Pancras, while CrossCountry connects the north and south, including routes to Birmingham and Plymouth. Northern provides regional links, and TPE offers northern connections to Cleethorpes and Manchester.

Main stops

This direct line's main stops between Sheffield and Doncaster are Meadowhall, Rotherham Central, Swinton (South Yorkshire), and Conisbrough.

Arriving at Doncaster

Your train pulls into Doncaster station, conveniently located at Station Court, on the East Coast Main Line. It's directly connected to the Frenchgate Shopping Centre, which has a covered walkway that gives passengers immediate access to shops, cafes, and other services.

Doncaster station hosts services from multiple train operators. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) provides high-speed links to London, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, while CrossCountry connects Doncaster with cities like Birmingham and Reading. Northern, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central, Hull Trains, and TransPennine Express will cover local and regional routes, connecting towns such as Lincoln, Hull, Scarborough, and Liverpool.

Doncaster itself is a town rich in history and culture. Nearby landmarks include the historic Doncaster Market, the Georgian Mansion House, and St George's Minster, a striking Victorian-era church. Art lovers can visit Cast, the town's leading theatre, while aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum.

CrossCountry train classes

CrossCountry offers two main seating options: Standard Class and First Class. First Class is available on the Voyager trains commonly used on the Sheffield to Doncaster route.

Standard Class features traditional seating in pairs or groups of four around tables. Passengers can access plug sockets, free WiFi, and luggage storage under seats or overhead racks. Seat reservations are clearly displayed on overhead LED screens.

First Class, available on Voyager services, offers larger reclining seats with more space, quieter carriages, and added perks such as complimentary snacks and drinks, extra WiFi, and larger tables. Turbostar trains, however, only offer Standard Class seating.

CrossCountry train travel advice

For a smooth journey with CrossCountry, here are some key travel tips to keep in mind:

• Luggage: You can bring one small bag and one medium or large suitcase, with a maximum size of 90x70x30 cm. The luggage should fit under seats, overhead racks, or dedicated storage areas.
• Bicycles: Non-folding bikes must be reserved in advance and stored correctly. Folding bikes can be carried without reservation.
• Children: Under 5s travel free without a reserved seat; kids aged 5 to 15 get 50% off most fares. Family Railcards offer additional savings.
• Pets: Up to two pets per person travel free. Dogs must be leashed, and smaller animals must be in a carrier. Pets are not allowed on seats.
• Passenger Assist: Book assistance online, via app, or by phone at least 24 to 48 hours ahead of time. On-the-spot help is also available at stations.

Set along South Yorkshire's rail corridor, TransPennine Express (TPE) also operates direct services from Sheffield to Doncaster, offering a smooth ride that takes 24 minutes.

Although a brief journey, this stretch takes passengers through Yorkshire's industrial heritage, including glimpses of river landscapes and historic townscapes as the train glides past Rotherham and Conisbrough.

TransPennine Express operates intercity and regional services across northern England and into Scotland, connecting major cities like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. It also provides access to scenic coastal destinations, including Scarborough, Cleethorpes, and Hull, and even reaches the Lake District via Penrith and Kendal.

Main stops

The TransPennine Express service between Sheffield and Doncaster operates as an express, stopping at Meadowhall and Doncaster.

TransPennine Express train classes

TransPennine Express (TPE) trains feature two classes of service: Standard Class and First Class, both available on the Sheffield to Doncaster route. Passengers can upgrade to First Class in advance or via the Seatfrog app, subject to availability.

Standard Class provides practical comfort with traditional seating, luggage storage under seats and overhead racks, power sockets, USB charging, and free Wi-Fi. It's a good fit for casual or commuter travellers.

First Class enhances the experience with spacious seating, including single or paired tables, larger luggage racks, and access to First Class lounges at select stations. Amenities include premium seating comfort, USB and power outlets at every seat, and sometimes an exclusive onboard menu with food and drinks. TPE's Nova 1 and Nova 2 trains offer slightly different layouts, so checking ahead for your train's features is best.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey with TransPennine Express, here are a few helpful pointers:

• Luggage: You can bring two large bags and one smaller item. All must be manageable and stored in designated areas or under your seat.
• Bicycles: Reserve a spot for full-size bikes before travel. Folding bikes can be brought on board without booking if they are folded and stored properly.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, but there's no guaranteed seat, and fares for ages 5 to 15 are 50% off. A Family Railcard can offer further discounts.
• Pets: Up to two pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead; smaller pets should be in secure carriers.
• Passenger Assist: Book at least two hours ahead online or via the app, or call 0800 107 2149. Help is available with boarding, luggage, and station navigation.

Like CrossCountry and TPE, Northern also operates trains from Sheffield to Doncaster, taking around 30 minutes.

As the train passes through the region, you’ll pass near landmarks such as Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Rotherham Minster, and Conisbrough Castle.

Northern Rail is a publicly owned train operator based in York that operates the largest regional network outside London, covering over 500 stations across the North of England. Northern provides key local and regional services across the North West, Yorkshire, North East, and East Midlands, linking cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, York, Liverpool, Doncaster and Sheffield.

Main stops

The main stops on Northern's local service from Sheffield to Doncaster include Meadowhall, Rotherham Central, Swinton, Mexborough, and Conisbrough, before arriving at Doncaster.

Northern train classes

Northern operates Standard Class only. While First Class is not available, the type of seating and onboard features can vary depending on the train model.

Newer trains like the Class 195 and Class 331 offer free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a more modern layout, including a mix of airline-style and table seating. Refurbished models such as the Class 323 and Class 333 also offer similar features.

Older trains, like the Class 150 and Class 156, may have more basic facilities, but they still provide comfortable travel.

Northern travel advice

Here are a few practical tips to help make your journey with Northern as smooth and stress-free as possible:

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items: one large suitcase, one cabin-sized bag, and one smaller handbag or backpack.
• Bicycles: Non-folding bikes are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis; folding bikes count as luggage and need no reservation.
• Children: Under-5s travel free with a paying adult; children aged 5 to 15 get half-price fares with a child ticket.
• Pets: Two pets can travel free per passenger if kept on a lead or in a secure carrier and do not occupy seats.
• Passenger Assist: Assistance can be pre-booked or requested at stations; support includes help boarding and accessibility aid.

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