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Train to Leeds vs Train to Manchester


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Hi all,

 

I'm looking fior the experiences of people who have commuted no the train to Leeds and/or Manchester. Prefereably people who have quite recently commuted to both fairly regularly.

 

I have a new job offer, and the post was originally in Manchester, but they have recently got in touch and said there is also a post in Leeds.

 

Both office are walking distance of the station the other end and I live within about 10 mins walk of the station in Sheffield.

 

There are pros and cons to the 2 roles them selves, but I am looking for expereinces of the commute. Is one significantly easier, faster, more comfortable, more regular, less crowded than the other? or are they both much of a muchness. I will be working flexi time so can travel quite early or late to make the journey better if needs be.

 

Thanks in advance for your experiences.

 

DM x

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I think Leeds is a better commute. Personally I would not fancy either! You also need to get the fast train as one stops everywhere and talkes bloody ages!

 

Well, I can understand not fancying either, but its balancing having a life in Sheffield with the offered uber payrise, along with other life stuff that makles it worth stopping in Sheffield for a while at least.

 

Such a tricky decision!

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I commute to Manchester 4 days a week. I think Leeds is a little bit shorter though and that alone makes a difference, but the TPE trains to Manchester are better than the Northern trains that serve Leeds from the comfort point of view (mine at least). Commuting anywhere is what you make it - if you waste the time then yes you'll hate it.

 

That said - the Sheffield -> Manc line is also served by East Midlands Trains and that line is shocking. It has improved in reliablility recently but the trains are FAR too small (you will not get a seat at Piccadilly - you might not even get a seat boarding at Oxford Road), smelly and uncomfortable both seat and temperature wise.

 

As a lowly commuter you'll find that you pay a fortune for the priviledge and then all the one-off travellers can come along and reserve seats whilst you can't. :thumbsup:

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If you don't live far from the station and it's only 10 mins at the other end then it's not that bad. I guess it can take some people as long to get across Sheffield in the morning or up and out via the parkway, I just have an aversion to wasting any more of my life than absolutely necessary on either being at or getting to and from work!!

:)

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You can safely go to sleep on the train to Manchester because you can't miss the stop at Piccadilly (unless you're on the one that goes to Liverpool) but I found I always woke up whenever it stopped at Stockport anyway.

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If you don't live far from the station and it's only 10 mins at the other end then it's not that bad. I guess it can take some people as long to get across Sheffield in the morning or up and out via the parkway, I just have an aversion to wasting any more of my life than absolutely necessary on either being at or getting to and from work!!

:)

 

Yup - it takes me longer to get across Sheffield by public transport in rush hour than it does to get across the Pennines in rush hour!

 

I don't mind 2 hours of peace, I certainly don't view it as a waste (perhaps because I use the time). I can work, I can read, I can think - it's all good.

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I commute to Manchester 4 days a week. I think Leeds is a little bit shorter though and that alone makes a difference, but the TPE trains to Manchester are better than the Northern trains that serve Leeds from the comfort point of view (mine at least). Commuting anywhere is what you make it - if you waste the time then yes you'll hate it.

 

That said - the Sheffield -> Manc line is also served by East Midlands Trains and that line is shocking. It has improved in reliablility recently but the trains are FAR too small (you will not get a seat at Piccadilly - you might not even get a seat boarding at Oxford Road), smelly and uncomfortable both seat and temperature wise.

 

As a lowly commuter you'll find that you pay a fortune for the priviledge and then all the one-off travellers can come along and reserve seats whilst you can't. :thumbsup:

 

The idea of having time for a coffee, paper and possibly breakfast on the way to work is quite appealing, I don't think the time would necessarily be watsed, I am quite good at filling time with small tasks - to do lists, shopping lists, meal planning etc etc. But that does pretty much depend on having a seat!

 

Just checked it out and the fast trains I'd be aiming for are the TPE ones at least. The fast trains to Leeds are Cross Country, which I have been using about once a month to and from Darlington and find OK.

 

Leeds is 20 minutes each way shorter and £100 a month cheaper (this is quite clincher I feel!).

 

What is it like getting a seat on the fast trains for either route? I'd probably be aiming for the train juist after 7 each day for either route.

 

thanks for comments so far!

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