Northern launch new 'Yorkshire Flyer' fast train service between Leeds and Sheffield
Northern has launched a new fast train service which will allow customers to travel between Leeds and Sheffield in 47 minutes.
Known as the Yorkshire Flyer, as it provides a quick and convenient connection between the White Rose county’s two biggest cities, the service was officially launched during an event at Leeds station earlier today.
Cutting journey times and providing more than 30,000 extra seats a week, the service will support economic growth by making it easier for people to get to work and reach new opportunities. It used to take all Northern customers around an hour or longer to make the journey, with trains calling at various stops along the way.
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, its 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 Yorkshire Flyer will provide a more effective link between Yorkshire’s economic powerhouses and help drive growth.”
The new service will completes the journey in 47 minutes, making just one stop at Wakefield Westgate. It will run once every hour in both directions, alongside the hourly fast CrossCountry service that links Leeds and Sheffield.
Increasing the number of fast services connecting Leeds and Sheffield has long been a point of focus for both West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.
Mayor 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.”
Northern will continue to operate four stopping services per hour in both directions between the two cities, providing important connections to local communities.
Plans to expand platform 17 at Leeds station, are also expected to move forward in 2026. The platform regularly houses the Northern services from Leeds to Sheffield and Lincoln.