Yorkshire Flyer Cuts Leeds–Sheffield Rail Journey to 47 Minutes

Northern has introduced a new express rail service linking Leeds and Sheffield in just 47 minutes, significantly cutting journey times between Yorkshire’s two largest cities. Branded the Yorkshire Flyer, the service entered operation following its official launch at Leeds station earlier today.

The new trains are designed to provide a faster and more direct connection, reducing typical journey times by more than ten minutes and delivering over 30,000 additional seats each week. Northern says the improved frequency and speed will support economic growth by making it easier for people to commute, access education and take advantage of employment opportunities across the region.

Previously, passengers travelling with Northern typically faced journeys of an hour or more, with trains stopping at multiple intermediate stations. The Yorkshire Flyer changes that pattern by calling only at Wakefield Westgate before continuing directly to Sheffield, completing the journey in 47 minutes.

The service operates hourly in each direction and runs alongside CrossCountry’s existing hourly fast trains between Leeds and Sheffield. In addition to the new express option, Northern continues to run four stopping services per hour each way, maintaining important links for communities along the route.

Alex Hornby, Northern's commercial and customer director, said:

“Our customers have been calling for faster trains between Leeds and Sheffield for some time. That’s why we are really excited to launch the Yorkshire Flyer. Running every hour every day, it offers customers a fast and straightforward alternative to taking the car. They can make affordable journeys with less faff, whether they’re travelling for work, university or days out with friends and family. The new Yorkshire Flyer will provide a more effective link between Yorkshire’s economic powerhouses and help drive growth."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

"The new Yorkshire Flyer service is a welcome addition for passengers travelling between Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield. Cutting journey times and increasing the number of seats makes travel between these three great Yorkshire cities by train far more attractive, improving links and helping to boost growth. Working with other Yorkshire mayors as part of our White Rose Partnership, and with operators to make our rail network more reliable and easier to use, we're creating a greener, better-connected region that works for all."

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

“Northern’s new fast service between Sheffield and Leeds is good news for passengers here in South Yorkshire and something I’ve been pushing for over recent years. Cutting journey times and adding thousands more seats each week makes a real, tangible difference for people getting to work, college, university or just out and about. I’m glad Northern has listened to what passengers have been asking for, and I’m glad to see the Yorkshire Flyer is becoming a reliable, everyday part of our transport network.”

Image: Northern