Whether you’re looking for things to do in South Yorkshire for your next getaway or you’re ready to book your train tickets, we’ve got all the information you need. South Yorkshire is the perfect destination for architecture lovers, history buffs and families – from the jaw-dropping scenery of the Peak District to some of the UK's finest museums, shopping and nightlife, there’s plenty to discover.
Read our guide to trains in South Yorkshire to plan your trip from start to finish, buy cheap train tickets and get inspired.
Who runs trains in South Yorkshire?
There are five train companies operating in and around South Yorkshire:
- Northern, who run their services between South Yorkshire and the main cities in Northern England like Manchester and Leeds
- CrossCountry, who mainly connect Sheffield to Central and North East England
- London North Eastern Railway (LNER), who run their services from London, the East Coast and Scotland to South Yorkshire
- East Midlands Railway (EMR), who mainly serve the routes from London to South Yorkshire
- TransPennine Express, who connect Northern England and Scotland to South Yorkshire
Want to learn more about Yorkshire’s rail network? Read our guide to trains to Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire train times
Want to learn more about some of the most popular train routes in South Yorkshire? Check out our table below and tap the link of the route you’re interested in – you’ll find extra journey details, FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
| Route | Fastest journey time | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|---|
| London to Sheffield | 2h 38m | 04:48 | 22:20 |
| Swinton to Sheffield | 25m | 06:21 | 00:04 |
| Manchester to Sheffield | 1h 18m | 03:10 | 02:11 |
| Leeds to Doncaster | 39m | 04:05 | 23:31 |
| Barnsley to Doncaster | 57m | 05:23 | 23:05 |
| Conisbrough to Meadowhall | 24 m | 06:13 | 23:56 |
| Sheffield to Rotherham Central | 13m | 05:15 | 23:30 |
| Swinton to Doncaster | 18m | 05:46 | 23:51 |
| Meadowhall to Swinton | 17m | 05:21 | 23:36 |
| Leeds to Swinton | 51m | 05:34 | 23:11 |
Train stations in South Yorkshire
There are a number of train stations in South Yorkshire that can take you to some amazing locations, including the Peak District, historic castles and museums.
How to buy cheap train tickets to South Yorkshire
There are a number of ways you can get cheap train tickets to South Yorkshire without having to break the bank. Check out our tips below and see how much you can save on your train journey. You can also visit our train deals and discounts page if you want to find all the latest offers on UK train travel.
Book in advance
Train companies like Northern release their tickets up to 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price. Visit our Advance train tickets page for more information or sign up for Ticket Alert – we’ll email you when your chosen tickets go on sale.
Travel Off-Peak
If you want to snap up the cheapest fares, book an Off-Peak train ticket – prices are usually cheaper during quieter times. Use our Journey Planner to start your search and we’ll highlight the cheapest Off-Peak tickets for you. Learn more about Off-Peak train times.
Get a Railcard
If you’re travelling for more than a few times a year to South Yorkshire, why not get a Railcard – you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys, plus it’ll cost you just £35 for a whole year. Find and buy Railcards.
Split your train tickets
Did you know? ‘Splitting’ your journey into sections and buying tickets for each part can be cheaper than getting a single ticket on longer journeys. Just use our app feature SplitSave and we’ll do the rest. Learn more about split train tickets.
Best places to visit in South Yorkshire
There are plenty of beautiful places you can visit in South Yorkshire, and many of them are well-connected by rail, making train travel between them a breeze. To get inspired on where to go, have a look at some highlights of the best places to visit in South Yorkshire below.
Top attractions in South Yorkshire
Looking for things to do in South Yorkshire? We’ve highlighted the region’s top attractions for you – simply tap the ones you’re interested in and find out how to get there by train.
Frequently asked questions
Which train companies operate in South Yorkshire?
There are currently five main national train companies that operate in South Yorkshire. They are Northern, CrossCountry, LNER, East Midlands Railway, and TransPennine Express.
Is there a direct train from Sheffield to London?
Yes, you can travel from Sheffield to London without having to change trains. East Midlands Railway run about 43 direct services between Sheffield and London every day.
How much is a train ticket to South Yorkshire?
Ticket prices to South Yorkshire can vary depending on when you want to travel, how far in advance you book and whether you can use a Railcard or special deal.
Learn more about train travel in Great Britain
Want to learn more about the UK rail network? Tap one of our travel guides – we’ll provide you with all the information you need about days out, which trains go where, ticket types and more.