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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Leeds to Manchester by train

It takes an average of 1h 11m to travel from Leeds to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 36 miles (58 km). There are normally 250 trains per day travelling from Leeds to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £3.70 when you book in advance.

First train

02:31

Last train

02:30

Departure station

Leeds

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 48m

Distance

36 miles (58 km)

Frequency

250 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £3.70

Train operators

TransPennine Express

Travelling from Leeds to Manchester by train in less than an hour

Considering a trip from Yorkshire to Lancashire and need more information about how to take the train from Leeds to Manchester? Start your journey with us! 

Usually, the journey from Leeds to Manchester by train takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes but can take just 50 minutes on the fastest services. As there are around 226 trains running on this popular route every day, you can sit back and enjoy the views as you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.  

On this route, you’ll board a TransPennine Express train at Leeds station. During your journey, you can take advantage of the onboard amenities, including access to an onboard entertainment platform, as well as free WiFi and plug sockets. Fancy travelling in style? Upgrade to TransPennine Express First Class and you’ll receive complimentary food and drink, power sockets and reclining seats. After just 50 minutes, you’ll arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.  

Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can start to explore all the places Manchester has to offer. Not sure where to begin? Find inspiration in our guide to the best things to do in Manchester, including a visit to Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum and the Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Garden.  

Want to save money on your train tickets? Try travelling Off-Peak, as tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. If you’d like to save even more, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for an entire year.  

Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Leeds to Manchester with us today. There’s no need to wait, head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to get started. If you’d like to read some more information, continue reading for our timetable where you’ll find first and last train times, FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.  

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Leeds to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Leeds to Manchester take?

The average journey time by train between Leeds and Manchester is 1 hour and 11 minutes, with around 250 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Leeds and Manchester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Leeds to Manchester is 48 minutes.

How much does the train from Leeds to Manchester cost?

Train ticket prices from Leeds to Manchester can start from as little as £3.70 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Leeds to Manchester?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Leeds to Manchester without having to change trains. There are 250 direct trains from Leeds to Manchester each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Leeds to Manchester leave?

The first train from Leeds to Manchester leaves at 02:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Leeds to Manchester leave?

The last train from Leeds to Manchester leaves at 02:30. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Leeds and Manchester by train?

Trains travelling from Leeds to Manchester cover a distance of around 36 miles (58 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to Leeds. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Leeds to Manchester.

Cheap train tickets from Leeds to Manchester

Train tickets from Leeds to Manchester start at £3.70 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Leeds to Manchester is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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