Airport for York/Leeds

I'm going to a meeting in York next week and then spending a couple of days in Leeds. Any recommendations for the best airport to use? I have to be in York by 10:30 am and work is picking up the bill, so I'm interested in speed rather than price.

(Plans are still being made, but I might be available for lunch or something in Leeds, most likely Friday, if anyone's interested!)

Leeds/Bradford International Airport is the local airport: http://www.lbia.co.uk/

You're in NI, right?

Ryanair flies to Leeds/Bradford from Dublin and Shannon Airports. http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/

I suggest a taxi from the airport to Leeds Train Station in the city centre. Plenty of taxis outside the airport most times. Approx. £15 - £20, I think. 

The train journey to York is approximately 30 minutes. See http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

For hotels, try http://www.tripadvisor.com/

You may be interested to know that the Yorkshire Festival of food and drink is on soon:

http://www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com

Let me know if you need any more info! 

I forgot http://www.jet2.com/: they fly Belfast International - LBIA. 

Yeah, there's no WAY I'm going to Dublin, much less Shannon!  I'm also looking at flybe.com, which flies out of Belfast City.

Any idea whether arriving in Leeds at 9:10 am would give me enough time to get to York by 10:30?

I personally think it might be tight for time and stressful, as it'll be rush hour, IMHO.

If you check train times and 'work backwards', you can see if it's possible.

Any chance you can come the night before?

There is now a direct hourly bus link from Leeds airport to York, which would be MUCH quicker than going into Leeds by taxi/bus and then taking a train to York.  Here is the link:

www.yorkaircoach.com

It's an airport only bus, so is comfortable, has space for luggage and is reasonably fast - it takes 55 mins.  Book ahead online for cheaper tickets.

There is now a direct hourly bus link from Leeds airport to York, which would be MUCH quicker than going into Leeds by taxi/bus and then taking a train to York.  Here is the link:

www.yorkaircoach.com

It's an airport only bus, so is comfortable, has space for luggage and is reasonably fast - it takes 55 mins.  Book ahead online for cheaper tickets.

That's good to know! 

I personally think it might be tight for time and stressful, as it'll be rush hour, IMHO.

If you check train times and 'work backwards', you can see if it's possible.

Any chance you can come the night before?

Alas, I don't think I can come the night before. But flybe has a flight that arrives at 8, which would be fine. Just means I have to leave home at 5:30. It's still better than the time I took a day trip to London for one of these meetings.

There is now a direct hourly bus link from Leeds airport to York, which would be MUCH quicker than going into Leeds by taxi/bus and then taking a train to York.  Here is the link:

www.yorkaircoach.com

It's an airport only bus, so is comfortable, has space for luggage and is reasonably fast - it takes 55 mins.  Book ahead online for cheaper tickets.

Thanks for that--it sounds perfect!

You lot are the best!

As for hotels in Leeds ... well, if work is paying ...

try 42 The Calls: 'boutique' hotel by the river - old warehouse, very nice - www.42thecalls.co.uk - good location

also there's The Met near the train station, Victorian former club - pretty swish, but the rooms are probably a bit pokey

The Park Plaza is very good - modern, high rise, near train station www.parkplaza.com

If you want a bargain ...

There are all the usual suspects, all centrally located ... Traveoldge, Etap, Ibis, Holiday Inn Express - the Etap is particularly new and shiny and CHEAP - currently just £32 per night.  It is in a good location too.

The Jurys Inn is also a good bet - half way in price between the swish ones and cheaper chains.

Leeds is your oyster!

The university recommended the Cliff Lawn Hotel, which looks FAB, so I think I'll go with it. Thanks, though! I'll hang onto the list for later reference.

That's a good location if you need to be near the uni.  It's a short bus ride form the city centre or even a nice walk on a sunny day!

Those are all great suggestions, Yorkshire/Virginia.

As an aside, if you are staying in Headingley, there are some great places to eat  , such as:

Jino's Thai Cafe (http://www.jinosthaicafe.co.uk/2.html),

Salvo's Restaurant & Salumeria (http://www.salvos.co.uk/),

The Olive Tree (http://www.olivetreegreekrestaurant.co.uk/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=1)

(They are all a little further up from where you'll be near Hyde Park, but walkable or 2 minute bus ride).

You are very near me: you can PM me if you'd like to meet up for a coffee or whatever. 
       

You are very near me: you can PM me if you'd like to meet up for a coffee or whatever. 

Let me talk to my husband tonight--we may very well take you up on that! And thanks for the restaurant recommendations.

I would second Jinos. Damn good food. If you want some tex/mex then the Caliente Cafe is nice too.

Another quick question, oh gurus of Leeds.

I'm coming back from York to Leeds on Wednesday night. If I'm staying in Headingley, would I be better off to take the return trip on the air coach, which would drop me off at LBIA, or to take a train? I don't expect to have any time constraints on that end, I'd just like to do what's most convenient.