Global Major Cities Guide

An overview of nearby airports and travel options for connecting to Sheffield, as the city itself does not have a major airport.

Sheffield is served by several airports within a reasonable distance. The most commonly used airports for Sheffield are:

Distance from Sheffield: 25 miles (40 km), approximately 40 minutes by car.
Status: Doncaster Sheffield Airport was a popular choice for travelers to Sheffield, but it ceased operations in November 2022. As of now, it is no longer an option for flights. Travelers should consider alternative airports listed below.

Distance from Sheffield: 45 miles (72 km), approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Overview: Manchester Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the region, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. It is the primary airport for travelers to Sheffield.
Facilities: Three terminals, extensive shopping and dining options, lounges, and excellent transport links.

Distance from Sheffield: 43 miles (69 km), approximately 1 hour by car.
Overview: East Midlands Airport is a smaller airport primarily serving budget airlines and European destinations. It is a convenient option for short-haul flights.

Distance from Sheffield: 48 miles (77 km), approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Overview: Leeds Bradford Airport is another regional airport offering domestic and European flights. It is a good alternative for travelers heading to Sheffield.

Distance from Sheffield: 75 miles (120 km), approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
Overview: Birmingham Airport is a larger airport with a wide range of international and domestic flights. It is slightly farther from Sheffield but still a viable option.

Sheffield is well-connected to the above airports via various transportation methods. Below are the details for each mode of transport:

Manchester Airport to Sheffield:
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Cost: £15–£30 (depending on time of booking and class of travel).
- Details: Direct trains run frequently from Manchester Airport to Sheffield via TransPennine Express. The train station is located within the airport, making it a convenient option.
East Midlands Airport to Sheffield:
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cost: £20–£35.
- Details: There is no direct train from East Midlands Airport to Sheffield. Travelers need to take a shuttle bus from the airport to East Midlands Parkway train station (15 minutes) and then a train to Sheffield.
Leeds Bradford Airport to Sheffield:
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Cost: £20–£40.
- Details: There is no direct train from Leeds Bradford Airport. Travelers need to take a bus to Leeds train station (30 minutes) and then a train to Sheffield.
Birmingham Airport to Sheffield:
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cost: £20–£40.
- Details: Direct trains are available from Birmingham International train station (connected to the airport) to Sheffield via CrossCountry trains.

National Express and Megabus: Both companies operate coach services from major airports to Sheffield. While cheaper than trains, buses take longer.
- Duration: 2–4 hours (depending on the airport).
- Cost: £10–£25.
- Details: Coaches are a budget-friendly option but may involve longer travel times and less frequent schedules.

Car Hire: All major airports have car rental services. Driving to Sheffield is straightforward, with well-maintained motorways connecting the city to nearby airports.
- Cost: Car hire starts at approximately £30–£50 per day, excluding fuel.
- Parking in Sheffield: Parking is available in the city, but costs vary depending on location.
Taxi/Private Hire:
- Manchester Airport to Sheffield: £80–£120.
- East Midlands Airport to Sheffield: £70–£100.
- Leeds Bradford Airport to Sheffield: £80–£120.
- Birmingham Airport to Sheffield: £100–£150.
- Details: Taxis are convenient but expensive. Pre-booking a private hire vehicle can reduce costs.

Some private companies offer shared or private shuttle services between airports and Sheffield. These services can be pre-booked online and are often more affordable than taxis for groups.
- Cost: £20–£50 per person (shared) or £80–£150 (private).

Booking in Advance: Train and coach tickets are often cheaper when booked in advance. Use apps like Trainline or National Express for the best deals.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Off-peak train tickets are significantly cheaper than peak-time tickets.
Luggage Considerations: If traveling by train or coach, ensure your luggage complies with size and weight restrictions.
Airport Transfers: Many airports offer free shuttle buses between terminals and transport hubs. Check airport websites for details.

Weather: The UK weather can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast and plan for potential delays, especially in winter.
Accessibility: All major airports and transport options are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific needs, contact the service provider in advance.
Currency: Ensure you have British Pounds (GBP) for local transport and services. Most places accept credit/debit cards, but having some cash is useful for buses or taxis.
Apps to Download:
- Trainline: For train schedules and tickets.
- National Express: For coach services.
- Google Maps: For navigation and public transport routes.
- Uber/Bolt: For ride-hailing services in Sheffield and nearby areas.

Best Airport for International Travelers: Manchester Airport (MAN) due to its size, connectivity, and direct train links to Sheffield.
Best Budget Option: East Midlands Airport (EMA) for low-cost European flights.
Fastest Option: Train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (1 hour 15 minutes).
Cheapest Option: Coach services, though slower than trains.

By planning ahead and choosing the most suitable airport and transport option, travelers can enjoy a smooth journey to Sheffield.