Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Train from Leeds to Manchester airport question

24 replies

Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 16:16

I’m wondering if any of you are familiar with this route. I’ve a flight at 2.30 so I need to be at airport from 12.30. I’ve not flown from Manchester before and don’t know what time to get the train from Leeds to be on the safe side in case of delays/cancellations. Weather forecast seems uneventful. TIA

OP posts:
mrsmoppp · 19/12/2019 16:37

It's quite a long walk from the train stop so I would give yourself some time to navigate through if you haven't done it before

nothingwittyhere · 19/12/2019 16:45

Trains round here seem to have been badly affected by the new timetable so I'd play it safe and give yourself a lot of time to get there. Better to have to cope with a little boredom if you arrive early than to miss the flight due to the train companies' inability to run their franchises. Or look into taxis?

happytoday73 · 19/12/2019 16:50

When are you flying? I was on that train route Monday. New timetable and it was terrible even mid afternoon. Various cancellations meant every available spot to stand in was full. Lots of luggage to climb over. People stood from York and 25 minutes late.

Pick your train then book one 2 hours earlier (direct, near luggage rack). Get a drink before you get on a drinks guy had no chance

Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 16:50

Thanks for this. If I get to
Leeds station for 9 am to get an airport train does that sound ok?

OP posts:
Ginfordinner · 19/12/2019 16:55

Northern Fail and Trans Pennine Express are shockingly unreliable at the moment. Give yourself plenty of time. They never put enough coaches on the trains either so be prepared to stand all the way.

Ginfordinner · 19/12/2019 16:56

Even better reserve a seat.

happytoday73 · 19/12/2019 17:22

Next one after 9 is 9. 15 which if on time would be 10.41... Given this weeks performance and hike from train station to your terminal I'd be inclined to get the 8.45. Hopefully it'll be fine and you can just eat lunch in peace at airport

RandomMess · 19/12/2019 17:30

Given the trains yesterday and today I would actually go the night before and book a room. They have cancelled so many services it is truly shocking!

Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 17:35

Oh lord it sounds grim. I’m dreading it. Am going to change taxi to train station to 8am on the back of this. Budget doesn’t allow for staying over night which is a shame as that sounds a very sensible idea. Thanks for the advice everyone.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 19/12/2019 17:38

Just check air. B&B in the area just in case!!!

greenlynx · 19/12/2019 17:41

I usually plan for the earliest out of 3 suitable trains in case of cancellation, would go early in current circumstances.
We never go too early as DD is really bad with any early morning travel but would it be only me I would take a train around 7.30 and then have nice relaxing breakfast at the airport and a bit of shopping.

marchingonwithmother · 19/12/2019 17:41

I'd go early, it's chaos this week. Pay to go in the lounge and you get somewhere quiet and comfy to sit, plug sockets etc and free food and drink for 3 hours.

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 19/12/2019 17:43

I always get the train to Manchester airport from Leeds. Quicker than driving and I have never had any delays or problems. If you don't book well in advance it's not the cheapest though.

Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 17:52

Thanks everyone. I’ve bitten the bullet and booked an airline taxi transfer firm just for the outward flight. I could do without the extra expensive but the thought of potential train hell and trying to navigate round an unfamiliar airport in a rush is just too grim at this time of year. Thanks for your help. It’s really appreciated

OP posts:
marchingonwithmother · 19/12/2019 18:32

The roads are as bad as the trains. I think you'll be fine on the train. Just go in plenty of time, money is definitely better spent in the airport lounge!

You'd have been fine this morning

Train from Leeds to Manchester airport question
Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 19:05

It sounds awful every way right now. At least I can set off a bit later with the connection firm. It’s going to be a long day as it is.

OP posts:
Ginfordinner · 19/12/2019 23:06

and I have never had any delays or problems.

But have you travelled on TP Express this week?
DD's train was withdrawn so I had to collect her from university.
Northern Fail are just as bad, cancelling trains left, right and centre. My train back from Sheffield today was cancelled, and loads of others were tonight.

BingoLittlesUncle · 19/12/2019 23:19

There's a Premier Inn at Heald Green (one stop up from the Airport) that might be within your budget for an overnight stop. Lot cheaper than the Airport hotels.

BingoLittlesUncle · 19/12/2019 23:20

Should have added, it's right by Heald Green Station.

Councilworker · 19/12/2019 23:50

It's absolute madness at Victoria at the moment. Staff walked out tonight after one was threatened by a passenger. No trains at all through Victoria for an hour and then delays until 8pm. If I didn't have to commute by train I wouldn't at the moment. A taxi is more reliable than Northern or TPE right now

Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 19/12/2019 23:52

Bingo thanks for that. Worth knowing. The connection firm are coming at 10.20 and said to be ready 30 mins before in case they need to go earlier. I didn’t realise when the airline I went on from Leeds cut this route , that it was going to be such a hassle getting to Manchester.

OP posts:
SantaBeckett · 19/12/2019 23:52

@bingo , you beat me to it I was going to recommend the same hotel.
@Bjorksswandress. It is attached to a beefeater pub that does a all you can eat Brecky for about £7/£10 continental/cooked

SantaBeckett · 20/12/2019 00:02

Oh btw it serves food all day long too

Original poster
Bjorksswandress · 20/12/2019 08:41

Thanks santa really helpful to know for future trips 👍🏻

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread