Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is Yorkshire's gateway to Europe, serving Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, and the wider Yorkshire region. Located approximately 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre and 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Bradford, the airport handles around 4 million passengers annually.

The airport has a single terminal divided into two check-in halls:

• Hall A: Serves most airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Aer Lingus, KLM, and Wizz Air
• Hall B: Exclusively serves Jet2, the airport's largest operator and hometown airline

The terminal has recently undergone a major £100 million expansion (LBA:REGEN project), with the first phase completed in June 2025. The new terminal extension provides 38% more floorspace, 76% more retail space, 83% more seating, and 50% more security lanes. The second phase, refurbishing existing facilities, is expected to complete in late 2026.

LBA is Jet2's primary hub - the airline was founded here and operates the majority of flights. Ryanair and easyJet also offer significant route networks. The airport primarily serves leisure destinations across Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and popular city break destinations.

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Yorkshire's nearest major international hub is Manchester Airport (MAN), located 70 km southwest. Manchester offers a much wider range of long-haul destinations and airlines not available at Leeds Bradford.

When to choose MAN over LBA:

• Flying to North America, Asia, or other long-haul destinations
• Need full-service carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines
• Require more flight frequency or connection options

Connecting between LBA and MAN:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Car/Taxi	60-90 min	£90-120 / $115-155	M62 motorway, traffic dependent
Bus + Train	2-2.5 hours	£15-25 / $19-32	Bus to Leeds, train to Manchester Airport

Pro tip: If you need long-haul connections, book directly from Manchester. The journey between airports is too long for same-day connections on separate tickets.

Leeds Bradford Airport sits between three major Yorkshire towns, making it accessible from across the region. However, there is no direct rail link - all public transport connections require a bus journey.

Typical journey times:

Destination	Bus	Taxi/Rideshare
Leeds city centre	40-50 min	20-30 min
Bradford city centre	35-45 min	25-35 min
Harrogate	35 min	25-35 min
York	N/A	60-75 min

The Flyer bus service, operated by Transdev, provides the main public transport link. Taxis and rideshares are available 24/7 and are the only option between midnight and 5am.

Uber is available at Leeds Bradford Airport. Request your ride through the app and meet at the designated pickup point outside the terminal.

Arrow Cars is the official taxi partner, operating from the taxi rank directly outside arrivals.

Typical taxi fares:

Destination	Fare (GBP)	Fare (USD)
Leeds city centre	£20-30	$25-38
Bradford city centre	£20-25	$25-32
Harrogate	£25-35	$32-45
York	£55-70	$70-90
Manchester city centre	£90-120	$115-155

Tips:

• Confirm the fare before starting your journey
• Pre-booked private hire vehicles often offer better rates than the taxi rank
• Late-night surcharges may apply after midnight

Flyer Bus Services

The Flyer bus network, operated by Transdev, connects Leeds Bradford Airport to the surrounding cities. Buses feature free WiFi and power outlets.

A1 Flyer - Leeds

• Route: Airport → Rawdon → Horsforth → Kirkstall → Leeds city centre
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
• Hours: 05:10 to 00:05 daily
• Journey time: 40-50 minutes to Leeds city centre
• Fare: £5.50 / $7 single, £8.50 / $11 return

A2 Flyer - Harrogate & Bradford

• Route: Harrogate → Airport → Yeadon → Apperley Bridge → Bradford
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Journey time: 35 minutes to Harrogate, 35-45 minutes to Bradford
• Fare: £5.50-6.50 / $7-8 single

A3 Flyer - Otley & Bradford

• Route: Pool → Otley → Airport → Yeadon → Guiseley → Shipley → Bradford
• Frequency: Hourly
• Journey time: Varies by destination

Train Connections

There is no railway station at Leeds Bradford Airport. To travel by train:

1. Take the A1 Flyer bus to Leeds Railway Station (40-50 min, £5.50 / $7)
2. Connect to trains from Leeds - one of the busiest stations in Northern England

From Leeds station, direct trains run to:

• Manchester Piccadilly: 55-75 min
• York: 25 min
• London King's Cross: 2 hours 15 min
• Edinburgh: 2 hours 30 min
• Birmingham New Street: 2 hours

Tip: Buy a combined "PlusBus" ticket from your origin station that includes the Flyer bus to/from the airport.

National Express Coaches

National Express coaches connect Leeds (not the airport directly) to destinations across the UK. Take the Flyer bus to Leeds city centre, then connect to coach services from Leeds Coach Station.

Leeds Bradford Airport offers several parking options. Pre-booking online saves significantly compared to drive-up rates.

Type	Pre-booked Rate	Drive-up Rate	Notes
Short Stay	From £25/day	£42/day	Walking distance to terminal
Mid Stay	From £15/day	£30/day	Short walk to terminal
Long Stay	From £5.25/day	£15/day	Free shuttle, 4-5 min to terminal
Drop-off/Pick-up	From £7/10 min	£7/10 min	Forecourt access

Free One Hour Parking Zone: Located a short walk from the terminal, ideal for quick pickups and drop-offs. Any time beyond one hour is charged at standard rates.

Tips:

• Book online 2+ weeks in advance for the best rates
• Long Stay is the most economical for trips over 3 days
• Compare prices on SkyParkSecure and Holiday Extras for off-airport alternatives
• The official airport website often has promotional codes

Leeds Bradford Airport's food options have expanded with the new terminal extension. Most outlets are located after security in the departures area.

After Security

Bars & Restaurants:

• The Saltaire Bar & Eatery: Named after the nearby World Heritage Site, serving classic British food, Yorkshire ales, and a relaxed atmosphere
• Cabin Bar: Contemporary setting with wines, craft beers, cocktails, and food. Open until 6:30pm weekdays
• Sports Bar: Pub atmosphere with drinks, air hockey, and gaming machines

Quick Service:

• Starbucks: Coffee, sandwiches, and snacks. Open 3 hours before first departure until last flight boards
• Burger King: Fast food option. Open until 7pm weekdays
• Greggs: British bakery chain with pastries and savoury snacks
• Camden Food Co.: Sandwiches, salads, and snacks

Before Security

• Caffè Ritazza: Located in check-in hall B, serving coffee, snacks, and light meals. Open from 5am until the last arrival

Tip: Food options after security are more varied, so grab something substantial before your flight if dining is important to you.

Free WiFi is available throughout Leeds Bradford Airport.

• Network name: "LeedsBradfordAirport_Free_WiFi" or "LBA Free WiFi"
• Duration: Unlimited
• Connection: Complete a browser form with your details

The connection is reliable for browsing, email, and video calls. For faster speeds, the airport lounges offer dedicated WiFi. All Flyer buses also provide free onboard WiFi.

SIM cards are available at shops within the terminal:

• WHSmith (before and after security)
• Boots (after security)

UK prepaid SIMs from EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 typically cost £10-30 / $13-38 for tourist data packages (20GB-100GB). Most include EU roaming at no extra cost.

Better value options:

• Order a free SIM online before travel (GiffGaff, Lebara)
• Purchase an eSIM (Airalo, Nomad) before arrival
• Buy a SIM in Leeds city centre for better prices than the airport

ATMs are located in both the arrivals hall and departures area. Major UK banks represented include Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds.

• UK bank accounts: Free withdrawals
• International cards: May incur £1.50-3 / $2-4 fees

Currency exchange counters offer poor rates. Better alternatives:

• Use a travel card (Wise, Revolut, Monzo) for the best exchange rates
• Withdraw GBP from ATMs using a fee-free card
• Most UK businesses accept contactless payments - cash is rarely essential

The airport's retail options have expanded significantly with the LBA:REGEN project.

After Security

• World Duty Free: Main duty-free retailer offering alcohol, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, and confectionery. Reserve online and collect in-store for discounts
• Boots: Pharmacy, beauty products, travel essentials, and packed sandwiches
• WHSmith: Books, magazines, snacks, and travel accessories
• Accessorize: Bags, sunglasses, jewellery, and accessories
• InMotion: Electronics, chargers, headphones, and tech accessories

Before Security

• WHSmith: Newspapers, magazines, and snacks

Tip: World Duty Free offers a price promise - if you find a product cheaper on the UK high street, they'll refund double the difference. Open from 3 hours before the first departure until the last flight boards.

Leeds Bradford Airport has two lounges in the new terminal extension, both located airside between Gates 8 and 9.

The Avro Lounge

A bright, family-friendly space suitable for travellers of all ages.

• Access: Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, Lounge Key, or pay-per-visit
• Amenities: Complimentary light snacks, pastries, coffee, tea, house wine, and beer. WiFi and power outlets throughout
• Price: £33 / $42 (2 hours), £39 / $50 (3 hours) for adults; £12.50-15 / $16-19 for children (2-11)
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, suitable for families

Six Eight One Lounge

The airport's premium lounge for travellers aged 12 and over.

• Access: Pay-per-visit only (Priority Pass members can upgrade for £34 / $44)
• Amenities: Extensive hot and cold buffet, fully serviced bar with up to 4 complimentary alcoholic drinks, runway views, fast WiFi, comfortable seating
• Price: From £41 / $52 (2 hours), £49 / $63 (3 hours)
• Atmosphere: Adults-only, premium experience

Important notes:

• Dress code: Smart casual required. No sportswear, team shirts, offensive slogans, fancy dress, baseball caps, shorts (unless tailored), or vest tops for men
• Peak times: 04:00-07:00 and 12:00-17:00 - pre-booking recommended
• Book via the airport website for the best rates

Hotels near Leeds Bradford Airport are clustered in Yeadon, the nearby town. There are no hotels directly connected to the terminal.

Nearby Hotels

• Premier Inn Leeds/Bradford Airport: Budget-friendly option, 7 minutes from the terminal. Free WiFi, Beefeater restaurant on-site. From £50 / $64 per night
• Britannia Leeds Bradford Airport Hotel: Mid-range option with restaurant and bar. From £55 / $70 per night
• Travelodge Leeds Bradford Airport: Budget option with basic amenities. From £45 / $58 per night

For early flights: The Premier Inn is the most convenient budget option, though you'll need a taxi (£5-8 / $6-10) to reach the terminal.

Alternative areas:

• Leeds city centre (30 min by taxi): Wider selection of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife
• Harrogate (35 min by taxi): Charming spa town with boutique hotels

Leeds Bradford Airport is the gateway to Yorkshire - one of England's most scenic and historic regions.

Leeds

• City centre: 30 min by taxi - vibrant shopping at Trinity Leeds and Victoria Quarter, excellent dining scene
• Leeds Dock: Transformed industrial area with Royal Armouries Museum (free entry)
• Kirkstall Abbey: Medieval Cistercian monastery ruins, 15 min from centre
• Headingley: Home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Just 25 minutes by car, the Yorkshire Dales offer quintessential British countryside:

• Malham Cove: Dramatic curved limestone cliff with 70-metre climb to viewpoint
• Ribblehead Viaduct: Iconic Victorian railway structure, accessible on the Settle-Carlisle line
• Yorkshire Three Peaks: Challenging 24-mile walk over Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough
• Hawes: Traditional market town famous for Wensleydale cheese

Transport tip: The DalesBus network provides summer weekend service to hiking trailheads. The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway line runs through the Dales with stunning views.

Bradford & Surroundings

• Saltaire: UNESCO World Heritage Site - Victorian model village 15 min from Bradford
• National Science and Media Museum: Free museum exploring photography, TV, and film
• Cartwright Hall: Art gallery in Lister Park with impressive collections

Harrogate

• Turkish Baths: Victorian spa experience in the town centre
• Bettys Café Tea Rooms: Iconic Yorkshire tearoom (expect queues)
• RHS Garden Harlow Carr: Beautiful gardens on the edge of town

Day Trips

• York: 60 min by taxi - medieval walls, York Minster, The Shambles
• Whitby: 90 min by car - seaside town, Dracula connections, fish and chips
• Haworth: 45 min by car - Brontë Parsonage Museum, atmospheric village

Practical Tips:

• Weather: Yorkshire weather is unpredictable - pack layers and waterproofs even in summer
• Driving: Narrow roads in the Dales require careful driving. Sheep often wander onto roads
• Pubs: Yorkshire has excellent traditional pubs - try a local ale and a Yorkshire pudding
• The Bingley Arms: One of Britain's oldest pubs, 30 minutes from the airport