Leeds to Manchester Airport: train, coach, car or private transfer?

Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, and for many families in Leeds and West Yorkshire it is the airport with the most holiday flights. The trouble is that it sits on the other side of the Pennines. Depending on traffic, the trip can take just over an hour or well over two.

If you are travelling with heavy suitcases, walking aids, or simply prefer not to rush, how you get there matters just as much as the flight itself. Below we go through each option honestly, so you can choose what suits you.

There are direct trains from Leeds station to Manchester Airport station, which is connected to the terminals by covered walkways. On paper it is simple.

• Good for: confident travellers with light luggage who live near Leeds station.
• Things to think about: you still need to get to Leeds station first, trains can be crowded at busy times, and you will lift your own cases on and off the train.
• Walking: the walk from the airport station to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 can be long. Allow extra time if you walk slowly.

Coaches run between Leeds and Manchester Airport and can be one of the cheaper options. However, they follow the same busy motorway as cars, and you will have fixed departure times to work around. Check the operator's timetable carefully, especially for early-morning flights.

Driving yourself gives you control, but there are a few hidden costs. Airport parking for a week or two can add up, and some car parks need a shuttle bus to reach the terminal. The hardest part for many people is the drive home after a long flight, often late at night and tired.

Asking a relative to drop you off is another choice, but remember that most UK airports now charge for dropping off near the terminal, and someone still has to make the return trip.

A private transfer means a driver collects you from your home, loads your luggage, and drives you straight to the terminal. Coming home, the driver can meet you in arrivals and take you back to your door.

• No stations, no changes and no carrying heavy cases up steps.
• You know the price before you book, rather than watching a meter.
• For your return, we track your flight so a delay does not leave you stranded.
• With meet and greet, your driver waits outside arrivals holding a sign with your name.

For couples and small groups, sharing one vehicle can work out good value when you compare it with two or more train tickets plus parking or taxis at either end.

The M62 across the Pennines is well known for roadworks, heavy traffic and bad weather in winter. As a general guide, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight, unless your airline tells you otherwise. Then work back from that time and add a comfortable buffer for the drive.