Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £7.60*

With Northern, the direct train from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 1 hour 8 minutes and runs roughly every hour. These trains stop at more local stations along the line, making them a popular choice for commuters who work in either city.

This route is also a good way to see both the Pennines and the Peak District, with trains passing working quarries, wide open hillsides and quaint villages.

Northern is one of the UK's busiest train operators and covers the North of England. The operator provides a reliable service that connects cities and towns across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the North East.

Departing from Sheffield

Sheffield station lies on Sheaf Street at the edge of the city centre, making it easy to reach by tram or bus — the Supertram stop is on the station forecourt, while the Sheffield Interchange is just a few blocks away. It's about a reasonably short walk to the main shops around Fargate and The Moor.

From Sheffield, trains run directly to London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Edinburgh, as well as places such as Cleethorpes, Doncaster and Bristol. The main operators are East Midlands Railway, Northern, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express.

Main stops

On the Northern service from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly, the main stops are Bredbury, Brinnington, Reddish North and Marple.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the city's main railway hub and offers bus, taxi or Metrolink tram connections to towns throughout Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Oldham and Wigan.

You can also reach major stations across the country, including London Euston, Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street. The main operators are Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales.

The station's central location means you'll be in the heart of the action when you arrive from Sheffield. Piccadilly Gardens is just a 5-minute walk away and is perfect if you fancy a coffee or a bite to eat after the journey. Market Street, the Northern Quarter and Manchester Art Gallery are all around a 10-minute walk from the concourse.

Northern train classes

Northern operates both modern and older trains with Standard Class only. The exact features vary by train, but you can expect comfortable seats, accessible toilets and plenty of room for bags. Some newer trains have free Wi-Fi and charging points, too.

Northern train travel advice

Here's what to know before your Northern train trip:

• Luggage: You bring onboard what you can carry yourself; there's no strict limit to the number of bags you can bring. Just remember to use the storage spaces or put bags under your seat. Luggage can't be stored in places where it obstructs other people from moving around and getting on or off the train.
• Bicycles: You can bring your bike for free and there's no need to book. There is a designated cycle zone but there's a limit of 2 bikes per train on a first come, first served basis.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel free with an adult and those aged 5–15 go for half price. Trains have baby changing facilities and there's space for pushchairs, too.
• Pets: If you're travelling with your 4-legged pal, you'll be pleased to know that each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets. Dogs must be on a lead at all times or in a carrier, and pets are not allowed on seats.
• Passenger Assistance: If you need help, you can book in advance. Staff can help with getting on and off the train, moving bags and moving around if you have reduced mobility.

The direct TransPennine Express train from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly takes as little as 53 minutes on a direct service. These fast trains run every hour. Along the way, you're in for spectacular views of the Peak District and dramatic Pennine hills — it has to be one of Britain's most scenic train journeys.

TransPennine Express runs intercity and regional services across Northern England and Scotland, connecting destinations like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Their services are known for quick journey times with fewer stops and regular departures.

Main stops

The TransPennine Express train that connects Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly stops only at Stockport. The train continues to Liverpool Lime Street.

TransPennine Express train classes

TransPennine Express has 2 classes on its trains: Standard Class and First Class.

• Standard Class: You'll enjoy comfy seating with tables, free Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports by most seats, plus ample room for luggage.
• First Class: When you travel in this premium cabin, you'll get all the perks of Standard plus extra legroom and a quieter carriage. There are also power sockets and USB ports at every seat, and a refreshments menu on certain trains.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

Here's what to know for your next TransPennine Express journey from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly.

• Luggage: You can bring up to 3 bags—1 hand luggage and 2 bigger items of up to 30 x 70 x 90 cm each. Just remember that space can be tight during busy times.
• Bicycles: You'll need to make a reservation to board with ordinary bikes. It's free, but availability is limited. Foldable bikes don't require a reservation — just fold them before boarding and store them in a rack.
• Children: Little ones under 5 go free while under-16s get 50% off. You can board with buggies and prams, and baby changing is available on most trains, too.
• Pets: Canine and feline passengers are welcome with open paws. You can travel with 2 pets free—dogs need to be on a lead and smaller pets in a carrier. This can't take up a seat.
• Passenger Assistance: If you need extra help, book in advance or ask at the station. Staff can help with getting on and off, wheelchair spaces, ramps and more.  

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.