If you’re landing in Manchester Airport after a flight and need to get to Sheffield, we’ve got all the information you need for trains with TransPennine Express below. The Manchester Airport–Sheffield route includes a change, but the journey usually takes just 1 hr 30 min.
Frequent departures and a quick travel time make this train route an excellent option for getting to Sheffield. And with scenic views as the train passes through the Peak District, you can take in the beauty of Hope Valley to decompress after your flight.
This route is operated by TransPennine Express, who runs regional and inter-city trains in Northern England and Scotland. Their routes consist of the North Route, the Anglo-Scottish Route and the South Route.
Departing from Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport station is connected to the airport terminals via the Sky Link walkway, with signposts for “The Station” found throughout the airport. The airport station offers both National Rail and Manchester Metrolink train services, with eight trains an hour to Manchester Piccadilly, and trams to Victoria every 12 minutes.
The main train operators at Manchester Airport station are TransPennine Express, Northern Trains and Transport for Wales. In addition to Manchester Piccadilly, destinations from the airport include Blackpool, Liverpool Lime Street, Crewe and Glasgow.
Main stops
Trains from Manchester Airport to Sheffield will usually include one change at Manchester Piccadilly, with some operators stopping at Heald Green before this.
From Piccadilly, the stops will vary depending on your train operator, route and time of departure. Some routes don’t have any stops between Piccadilly and Sheffield, others will have several, such as Edale, Hope (Derbyshire), Stockport and Dore & Totley.
Arriving at Sheffield station
Sheffield station is very close to Sheffield city centre, with just a short walk across the A61 to Pond Street required to bring you to the heart of the action. There is also a taxi rank outside and an adjoining Supertram stop if you are travelling further afield.
Sheffield train station offers both National Rail and tram services. It is a major hub with numerous routes to choose from, including destinations such as London St. Pancras, Birmingham, Leeds and, of course, Manchester.
Thanks to Sheffield station’s central location, arriving here offers you plenty to see and do nearby. To the east of the station is South Street Park for a relaxing stroll, and the 15th-century Sheffield Cathedral is also just a 14-minute walk away, which often hosts concerts and art exhibitions which are definitely worth a visit.
TransPennine Express train classes
TransPennine Express offers both Standard Class and First Class for your train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield.
- Standard Class: TPE Standard Class includes free Wi-Fi and plug sockets at table seats.
- First Class: TransPennine Express offers a luxurious First Class train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield. It includes spacious reclining seats, plenty of legroom and power points at every seat. Complimentary food is included on specific routes at specific times.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
Your train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield with TransPennine Express just got easier with our handy list of travel tips below.
- Luggage: Up to 3 pieces of luggage allowed, with luggage racks and overhead racks for large and small bags respectively.
- Bicycles: Bike spaces must be reserved, unless bike is foldable. Free secure bike sheds available at TransPennine Express-managed stations. E-scooters not allowed.
- Children: Free travel for two under five-year olds with an adult ticket. Half-price tickets for children up to 16. Save on travel costs with the Family and Friends Railcard.
- Pets: Up to 2 pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead and all other small pets in a pet carrier.
- Passenger Assist: TPE offers support to older and disabled passengers with boarding ramps, luggage assistance, help with stairs, station wheelchairs or buggies for long distances and guidance around the station. This can be booked in advance.
Another train operator offering plenty of departures from Manchester Airport to Sheffield is Northern. This train route also requires a change at Manchester Piccadilly, but the journey can be as quick as 1 hr 15 min.
This train ride offers plenty to gaze out the window at, with views of lakes and woodlands to look forward to, such as Padley Gorge as you approach Sheffield.
Northern train operator provides passenger rail services across Northern England, connecting major cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds as well as smaller towns and rural areas.
Northern train classes
Northern does not offer any First Class sections on their trains. Their trains provide free Wi-Fi as standard (on all new/upgraded trains). Priority seating is also offered for passengers who need it.
Secure your journey on Northern’s service and find cheap train tickets for Manchester Airport to Sheffield routes by booking in advance on TrainPal.
Northern train travel advice
Before you board your Northern train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield, here is a quick overview of some important travel information to be aware of:
- Luggage: Northern requests that passengers are mindful about how much luggage they travel with, and to only store it in dedicated spaces.
- Bicycles: Dedicated bicycle space is assigned on a first come, first served basis. No charge for bikes and no reservations required. Cycle storage available at some stations.
- Children: Children under 5 travel free with adult passengers, and children aged 5–15 travel for half-price. Children over 16 can use Railcards to save on fares, such as the 16–27 Saver Railcard and the 16–24 Student Railcard.
- Pets: Up to two dogs or other small animals permitted for free. Must travel in a pet carrier, or dogs may be put on a lead. Carriers are not allowed on seats.
- Passenger Assist: Passenger assistance can be booked on Northern trains for help navigating trains and stations and for planning journeys.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.