Getting from Manchester to Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport sits on high ground at Yeadon, north-west of Leeds. For people in West Yorkshire it is the local airport, but some of our Manchester customers use it too, usually because a flight time or fare suits them better. We also take a lot of people the other way, from Yorkshire over to Manchester for long-haul flights. This guide covers the drive between the two.

How far is it?

From Manchester city centre, Leeds Bradford is around 50 to 55 miles by road. In normal traffic the drive usually takes around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half. Early in the morning it can be quicker. In bad weather or heavy traffic it can be a lot longer.

The route over the Pennines

Almost every trip uses the M62, the motorway that crosses the Pennines between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. From the M62, the driver will usually head north on roads around Bradford or Leeds to reach the airport.

The airport itself is not next to a motorway. The last part of the journey uses local roads, which can be slow at rush hour. That is one reason we allow a bit of extra time.

Weather on the M62

The M62 goes over some of the highest ground of any motorway in England. Snow, ice, high winds and fog can hit it when the weather in Manchester looks fine. In winter we keep an eye on the forecast and traffic reports for any early-morning trip, and if there is a warning we may ring you to suggest a slightly earlier pickup.

Leeds Bradford is also known for fog because of its height. If your flight is delayed or diverted because of weather, let us know and we will work with you on the return.

Rough journey times from our area

• Rochdale, Oldham, Saddleworth and Middleton: often around 50 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes.
• Manchester city centre and Salford: usually around an hour and a quarter.
• Bury, Prestwich and Bolton: often an hour and a quarter or a little more.
• Stockport and south Manchester: plan for around an hour and a half.
• Huddersfield and Halifax: usually 30 to 45 minutes.

These are only a guide. When you book, we calculate the route from your exact address and suggest a pickup time.

Why would you fly from Leeds Bradford?

For people in Manchester, Manchester Airport is usually the obvious choice. Reasons people go to Leeds Bradford instead include:

• a flight time that suits them better
• a lower fare on the same route
• living in the north-east of Greater Manchester, where the M62 is close
• a smaller, single-terminal airport

For long-haul flights, it usually works the other way round. Manchester has far more routes, so lots of people in Leeds, Huddersfield and Halifax drive over to fly from there. We cover both directions.

On the day

Follow your airline's advice on how early to arrive. Leeds Bradford is a smaller airport, but security queues can still build up on busy holiday mornings. Leeds Bradford charges cars to use the drop-off area by the terminal. We'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply.

Have your passport and boarding pass in hand luggage, not in the boot. If you need special assistance, book it through your airline in advance.

Coming back

Add your return flight number to your booking and we will follow it. The driver will adjust for early or late landings. You can choose a standard pick-up, where the driver tells you where to find the car, or meet & greet for £5, where they wait inside with a name board.

Coming home across the Pennines late at night is not much fun if you have to arrange it yourself. Having it booked in advance is one less thing to think about when you land.

Choosing a vehicle

• Saloon: one to three passengers with modest luggage.
• Estate car: more boot space for holiday cases.
• People carrier: five passengers with luggage.
• Executive car: Mercedes E-Class or similar, for business travel.
• 8 seater or 16 seater bus: groups, teams and big families.

Child and booster seats are free. Add them in the booking form so the driver brings the right ones.

Common questions

Is there a train to Leeds Bradford Airport?

Not directly to the terminal. There are bus links from Leeds and Bradford and from nearby stations, but with luggage and an early flight, most of our customers find a car much easier. Check the airport's own website for the current public transport options.

What if my flight lands late at night?

That is fine. We drive 24 hours a day. Give us your flight number and the driver will follow it. If you are delayed by hours, we will still be there; just keep your phone on when you land so the driver can reach you.

Can you pick me up in Yorkshire and take me to Manchester instead?

Yes. We regularly collect from Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax, Holmfirth and the surrounding towns for long-haul flights from Manchester. The price is fixed when you book, whichever way you are going.

Can I book a return at the same time?

Yes. Choose a return journey in the booking form and enter both flights. You get one confirmation for both trips.

Paying and changes

The price is fixed when you book, and we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply. We take card only, online when you book. If your flight changes after you book, contact us with your booking reference and we will move the pickup. The sooner you tell us, the easier it is to sort out, especially for early mornings when we are busiest.

Book your Leeds Bradford transfer

Choose Leeds Bradford Airport as your destination, enter your address and flight details, and you will see a fixed price before you pay. Payment is by card, online or to the driver. Book your Leeds Bradford transfer online, or call 0161 660 4006 if you want to talk through timings.