What are my Sheffield to Newcastle train options?

There are three main options if you're heading from Sheffield to Newcastle by train! You can take the direct CrossCountry service or head to Doncaster and take an LNER train from there. The third, less well-known option is to take Northern to York before changing to another operator of your choice (TransPennine Express can be the cheapest). Let's have a look at each operator and what to expect.

CrossCountry

If you want a direct train without changing, then CrossCountry operates the Sheffield to Newcastle train for you. You'll find one train per hour which runs via Leeds and typically takes around 2h10m. There are also a limited number of Sheffield to Newcastle trains which go via Doncaster and can take as little as 1h45m.

If you're making the journey in the other direction, these faster trains can be a good bet as they all start and terminate at Newcastle, so you can get the first pick of any unreserved seats!

LNER

Alternatively, you can make a Sheffield to Newcastle train journey by making your way to Doncaster and changing to an LNER service. These trains take around 1h25m, meaning that the overall journey time will be around 2h heading this way.

You'll find at least one train per hour on this route, with frequent connections between Sheffield and Doncaster. If you don't have a seat reservation, then seats C01 to C42 are unreserved on LNER.

Northern (via Pontefract)

Keep an eye out for split tickets on this route! You can find some real bargains on if you use the little-known route via Pontefract to make a Sheffield to Newcastle train journey. These Northern trains leave Sheffield for York at 07:30, 11:41 and 15:40 and run from York to Sheffield at 09:15, 13:14 and 17:15 (except Sundays).

It takes around 1h20m to reach York, followed by another hour or so to Newcastle. Overall, you can make this journey in around 2h30m.

How can I get the best Sheffield to Newcastle train fare?

You can get the best Sheffield to Newcastle train fare on Railsmartr! We'll show you all of your options, including the slower ones. In particular, it's always worth booking online, even if it's just a short time in advance, if you're making a one-way trip. Let's see what kind of fares we can find as part of the Great British Rail Sale: As you can see, the cheapest route is to take Northern and then TransPennine Express. Thanks to split tickets, you can make the journey for as little as £9.30. The next cheapest option is to go via Doncaster with LNER, while the direct CrossCountry train is the most expensive during the rail sale.

What are the trains like?

Let's take a look at what you can expect on board when you take a Sheffield to Newcastle train.

CrossCountry

You’ll have a Voyager train if you’re taking CrossCountry on a Sheffield to Newcastle train trip. They have four, five, eight or nine carriages. You’ll find a power socket at every window seat, as well as free WiFi. Seating in Standard Class is in a 2+2 layout:

You’ll find a trolley service of drinks and snacks. If the train is too busy, then it’ll usually be ‘static’ and act like a small buffet. It’s worth noting that luggage space on these trains is fairly limited and they’re liable to being extremely busy. You’ll also find a film on the windows, which makes it difficult to get a reliable internet or phone signal.

In First Class, seating is in a 2+1 layout. You may get complimentary drinks, snacks and sandwiches.

LNER

If you’re using LNER, then you’ll have an Azuma train. The vast majority of the trains on this route have nine carriages, though a couple will have five or 10. In Standard Class, all of the seats are in a 2+2 layout:

You’ll find power sockets under every seat, as well as a cafe bar. It’s also possible to order food and drink directly to your seat by scanning a QR code on the seatback. In First Class, you’ll also have access to USB ports under your armrest. Feeling peckish? There’s a complimentary menu on every train. You can expect, at minimum, sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks (including alcohol after 11am). On many trains, you’ll get hot food, as well.

When it comes to seat comfort, the seats in both classes can be a little firm. However, the legroom is pretty good, so there’s a bit of space to stretch out.

Northern

If you’re going via Pontefract, then you’ll have a variety of different Sprinter trains on the part of your journey between Sheffield and York. They have 2+2 or 3+2 seating and most are fitted with USB ports at every window seat. Here's an example of one:

Is there anything else I should know?

The final thing we’d recommend is using the Railsmartr website to book your Sheffield to Newcastle train tickets. We’re completely independent, so we’re happy to ‘tell you like it is’ when it comes to rail fares!

Don’t forget that we don’t charge any fees, either. That includes if you change your mind and want to travel on a different day. If your ticket is refundable, we’ll refund it fee-free, too. If you're saving with the Rail Sale, don't forget that it ends on January 20th 2025.

^{_{All fares stated on this page are for ONE adult with no Railcard discount and were correct at 19:00 14/01/2025. Rail sale fares are subject to availability and available only until 20/01/2025. All information is issued in good faith. They’re subject to change at any time and Railsmartr are not responsible for any loss or disappointment incurred as a result of the information provided.}}