Leeds railway station

Find out what developments are planned for Leeds railway station and rail travel.

Leeds railway station is the busiest in the north of England with 34 million passengers each year. We’re working together with our partners to improve and develop the station and local rail network to meet this growing demand.

Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan

We have worked with other partners to create a Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan (LISM). This includes:

  1. High speed rail connections
  2. improving the experience of everyone using the station

There are also plans in the LISM to:

  • have a new, international commercial development in the centre of Leeds
  • help with regenerating South Bank Leeds which will double the size of the city centre
  • have better rail connections in the north, connecting people and businesses to jobs and markets

Get a copy of the full plan by emailing keytothenorth@leeds.gov.uk.

High speed rail connections

The government has announced it is to carry out a study into how to bring high speed rail services into Leeds, and how to increase Leeds Station capacity.

As part of this, land around the city which was previously safeguarded to accommodate the construction of HS2 will remain safeguarded.

As yet the timescale for the study has not been confirmed.

Work is also expected to begin to improve journey times between Leeds and Bradford, with electrification and upgrades proposed for this line.

HS2 past consultations

We have responded to two recent consultations:

  • HS2 Phase 2b property consultation
  • 2018 Working Draft Environmental Statement (WDES)

To receive a copy please email keytothenorth@leeds.gov.uk.

Working Draft Environmental Statement (WDES) 2018

HS2 issued its WDES consultation on 18 October 2018 to understand the environmental impact of the HS2 during construction and when it is used. Views were taken from local authorities, affected individuals and organisations.        

We have also commented on the Working Draft Equalities Impact Assessment consultation which looks at groups protected by the Equality Act 2010.         

Read our response to the WDES consultation and the Working Draft Equalities Impact Assessment consultation.    

Improving the experience of everyone using the station

Leeds Station: Sustainable Travel Gateway

The first stage of work to transform Leeds City Station will begin in early 2022.

The works are necessary to meet capacity demands and to ensure that everyone can safely enter and exit the station, and safely wait for train services.

Improvements will include:

  • making New Station Street pedestrian-friendly
  • installing lifts and stepped access between Bishopgate and New Station Street
  • relocating the taxi rank to Bishopgate Street, which will have room for six vehicles and allow passengers to access vehicles from the kerbside
  • high quality cycle lanes and infrastructure

Find out more on the Leeds City Rail Station transformation project website.

New stations

Two new stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge have already opened with over 450,000 total journeys made in 2016/17.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority approved the Outline Business Case (OBC) for Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway in February 2020. Work is now starting on the next design phase. See more information on the OBC.

Other work on stations

The West Yorkshire Stations Improvement Fund of £38 million will be used to make all train stations accessible by 2023. It will also be used to improve:

  • seating information
  • lighting and security
  • ticket machines

Stations included in the programme

Phase one – Bramley, Micklefield

Phase two – Burley Park Cottingley, Cross Gates, Garforth, East Garforth, Guiseley, Headingly, Horsforth, Morely, Woodlesford

The partners we work with