If you're looking for train tickets to Sheffield, look no further. Secure cheap East Midlands Railway (EMR), CrossCountry, Northern and TransPennine Express tickets by booking in advance. Download our app to take advantage of our SplitSave feature, which will look for opportunities to split your ticket to Sheffield – saving money without you having to lift a finger.
Sheffield isn't just celebrated for its history of cutting-edge industry and innovative music. With masses of green space and suburbs that merge into the Peak District, the city is also famous for its surroundings – the spectacular Stanage Edge, with stunning views over the Hope Valley, is barely 20 minutes from the city centre. Meanwhile, an independent spirit and a large student population keep small shops, pubs and restaurants thriving alongside big-name retailers.
How to find cheap train tickets to Sheffield
At Trainline, we have a number of handy ways to help you save money and secure cheap train tickets to Sheffield. Whether you’re heading there for business or leisure, our super-savvy tips will have you on the road to cheaper train travel in no time at all. And the best part – most of these tips can be easily done through our Journey Planner.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Sheffield:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Sheffield in advance: East Midlands Railway, Northern and CrossCountry usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Try split tickets: Booking multiple tickets for one journey is sometimes cheaper
1. Get a Railcard
Our first essential method for getting cheap train tickets to Sheffield is to pick up a National Railcard. If you’ll be booking more than a few train journeys a year, then it’s well worth picking one up, as they’ll allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price on applicable journeys*. Remember, each penny you save can be used on seeing Sheffield instead! To see all the different types of Railcards (and their eligibility requirements) or to buy one online, visit our Railcards page.
2. Book tickets to Sheffield in advance
When it comes to train travel, planning well ahead can lead to cheaper train tickets. In many cases, the price of a train ticket can rise as the departure date edges nearer, so by buying an Advance ticket you stand a greater chance of securing a price that’s right for you. These tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, though some train companies release theirs as early as 24 weeks ahead of time. So, as soon as you know you’ll need to book some train tickets to Sheffield, make sure to do it! If you’re worried you’ll forget to check for Advance tickets, you can sign up to our handy Ticket Alerts. Once registered with your preferred route, we’ll do the work for you and send an email as soon as your tickets become available.
For more information, check out the full guide on our Advance train tickets page.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
Another top tip for securing the cheapest train tickets to Sheffield is to make sure to book your Advance tickets for an Off-Peak time. Buying an Off-Peak train ticket means that you’ll need to travel at certain times of the day or week, with the potential reward of cheaper tickets. Make sure to combine your Railcard with these tickets for a super money-saving combo.
Visit our Off-Peak train tickets page for additional information and FAQs.
A quick tip before you confirm your booking – check whether the price of two Single tickets is, in fact, lower than that of a Return ticket to Sheffield. On some occasions, one method may be cheaper than the other.
4. Split your train tickets
Did you know it's sometimes cheaper to break your journey down into parts and buy separate train tickets for each leg of the journey? Our latest money-saving feature – SplitSave – finds clever combinations of tickets to save you money on most routes across the UK and automatically ‘splits’ your trip into multiple legs, without any need for you to change trains unnecessarily. Just look for the SplitSave icon when searching in our app.
Want more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
Popular train journeys to Sheffield
It's easy to travel to Sheffield by train from all over the UK, including direct routes from some of the country's biggest cities like London, Liverpool and York. Most trains to Sheffield arrive into the city's main railway station, Sheffield station. We've highlighted some of the most popular routes below, or you can start your search from any UK destination in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Sheffield | 2h 38m | East Midlands Railway |
| Birmingham to Sheffield | 1h 28m | CrossCountry |
| Manchester to Sheffield | 1h 18m | TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway |
| York to Sheffield | 1h 10m | CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway |
| Edinburgh to Sheffield | 3h 51m | CrossCountry |
| Liverpool to Sheffield | 1h 48m | East Midlands Railway |
| Newcastle to Sheffield | 2h 10m | CrossCountry |
Visiting Sheffield
As you leave Sheffield station, you’re naturally drawn uphill towards the city centre. The best route is through the light-filled lobby of the Millennium Galleries, where you’ll find a permanent exhibition of Sheffield metalwork alongside special art and photography shows. The lobby connects to the Winter Gardens, an elegant, wood-framed conservatory filled with exotic plants and cafes. Either side of the Winter Gardens are the Peace Gardens, a popular square that hosts music and food events, and Tudor Square, home to the Crucible and Lyceum theatres.
For a dose of Sheffield’s independent spirit, head to Division Street in the city centre, or explore Sharrow Vale and Abbeydale Road to the south – they’re all full of quirky bars, cafes and shops. To the north of the city centre is Kelham Island, a rapidly redeveloping industrial district with an interactive museum of industry and several award-winning real ale pubs.
If you’re looking for a trip to the countryside, you won’t even need a car. The Hope Valley line from Sheffield station will take you through some glorious Peak District scenery, stopping at pleasant villages like Hathersage and Edale – perfect starting points for a circular day walk.
Planning to visit more cities in South Yorkshire by train? Check out our dedicated page to South Yorkshire trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Sheffield?
The main train station in Sheffield is Sheffield railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Sheffield railway station.
Which train companies run services to Sheffield?
The primary operator of trains to Sheffield is East Midlands Railway. However, you can also catch TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern services to Sheffield.
How do I find cheap tickets to Sheffield?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Sheffield. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Sheffield running?
There are frequent daily services to Sheffield, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Sheffield.