Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is the gateway to Yorkshire — a regional airport serving the cities of Leeds and Bradford, and the surrounding countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, and the Peak District. The airport is 12 kilometres northwest of Leeds city centre and handles flights from across Europe. Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful regions in England, with rolling green hills, dry stone walls, market towns, and a cultural heritage that includes the Brontë sisters, the industrial revolution, and some of the finest pubs in the country. Hiring a car here lets you explore the Dales, the Moors, the historic cities of York and Leeds, and the coast of North Yorkshire.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators at Leeds Bradford Airport. Compact cars start around £18/day. The airport is 320 kilometres north of London.

Why Hire a Car at Leeds Bradford Airport

• York: 1 hour northeast. One of the most beautiful cities in England, with medieval walls, the Minster (the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe), the Shambles (a narrow street of timber-framed houses), and the Jorvik Viking Centre.
• The Yorkshire Dales: 1 hour northwest. A national park of rolling hills, limestone pavements, waterfalls, and dry stone walls. Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, and the village of Hawes are highlights.
• The North York Moors: 1.5 hours northeast. A national park of heather moorland, ancient woodland, and coastline. The village of Goathland (Hogsmeade in Harry Potter) and the steam railway to Pickering are popular.
• Whitby: 2 hours northeast. A historic fishing port on the North Sea, with a ruined abbey on the cliff, a harbour, and a connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
• Leeds: 30 minutes southeast. A vibrant city with the Royal Armouries museum, the Victoria Quarter shopping arcade, and a thriving food and nightlife scene.
• Brontë Country: 30 minutes west. The village of Haworth, where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote, with the parsonage museum, the cobbled main street, and the moorland walks that inspired Wuthering Heights.
• The Peak District: 1.5 hours south. The UK’s first national park, with moorland, caves, and the market towns of Buxton and Bakewell.

Driving from Leeds Bradford Airport

The UK drives on the left. The M1 and M62 motorways connect Leeds to London, Manchester, and the rest of the country. The A1 runs north to Newcastle and Scotland. The roads in Yorkshire are generally good, but rural roads are narrow and winding.

Parking at the airport is directly in front of the terminal — short-term and long-term options. In York, use the Park & Ride. In the Dales, parking is free at most trailheads.

Booking Tips for Leeds Bradford Airport

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer and bank holiday weekends.
• If visiting the Dales, an SUV is recommended for the narrow rural roads.
• GPS is essential — Yorkshire roads can be confusing.
• If combining with London, the drive is 4 hours south on the M1.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Leeds Bradford Airport

How far is Leeds Bradford Airport from Leeds? 12 kilometres — 25 minutes by car.

Is Yorkshire worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions in England, with stunning countryside, historic cities, and excellent pubs.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the cities and main roads. An SUV is recommended for rural tracks in the Dales.