Leeds Bradford Airport in West Yorkshire is located just 8.6 miles from Leeds and 8.2 miles from the city of Bradford. A total of 10 airlines fly from Leeds Bradford Airport to more than 70 different destinations. Passenger numbers are growing with around 4 million people using the airport in 2019 and the forecast this will rise to 7 million by 2030.

Plans include a second terminal along with more departure gates, extended seating areas and baggage reclaim facilities.

At 681 feet, Leeds Bradford is the highest airport in England and is set in stunning countryside with great access to the north of England and Scottish borders.

So, whether you’re travelling to Leeds for business or pleasure, our friendly Avis team at Leeds Bradford Airport is on hand to get you on your way with a fast, efficient check-in service.

Our Avis counter at Leeds Bradford Airport is inside the Arrivals Hall with the car collection area located at the on-site Car Rental Centre in Harrogate Road close to the terminal building.

On your return journey you’ll be dropping off your car at the same car park. If you return your car to us outside business hours, Avis has a 24-hour drop-off at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Leeds Bradford Airport is 8.6 miles northwest of Leeds city centre.

The drive into central Leeds from the airport takes around 25min depending on the time of day. Head right out of the car park and at the airport exit turn onto Whitehouse Lane, joining Scotland Lane towards the east. After 4 miles join the A65 following signs to Leeds centre.

When returning to the airport, Leeds Bradford Airport is well signposted on all the main roads and motorways in the Leeds area, including the M1 and M62 motorways and the Yorkshire section of the A1.

Leeds is the UK’s third largest city and offers a host of attractions for visitors. An old mill town, Leeds is now a hive of activity boasting a wealth of museums, restaurants, bars and shops. The city is also home to Roundhay Park – one of the largest urban parks in Europe. This haven of tranquility spans over 700 acres and is home to an array of wildlife. The park also features a number of specialist gardens to browse at your leisure.

Bradford’s Saltaire Village offers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful examples of 19th-century, Italian-style architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire provides a fascinating window into the industrial Victorian era.

One of Bradford’s more contemporary points of interest is the National Media Museum. Spread across seven floors, the museum houses over 3.5 million media-related items, all of which hold historical significance, including motion picture equipment and optical toys. Here you can also catch a film in the UK’s first ever IMAX cinema.

On a warmer day, spend a relaxing afternoon at Bingley Five Rise Locks. The steepest series of locks on any canal in Britain, Five Rise Locks is a great place for people watching. From the side of the canal, you can witness the lockkeeper working the mechanisms to let boats pass through.

While Leeds and Bradford offer much to see and do, traveling beyond these cities promises an unforgettable experience.

Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the name of this impressive attraction says it all. The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just 45 minutes from Leeds (via the A660 North) and is centred on the dale of the Nidd river. Here you’ll ramble over heather moorlands, meadows, river valleys, reservoirs and spot a wide range of wildlife. Bring your hiking boots to tackle some of the more challenging trails.

York

Take an hour’s drive along the A658 and A59 from Leeds Bradford International Airport and you’ll arrive in York. The city’s ancient architecture has stood the test of time, with walls from the 13th century still encircling the city’s medieval centre. Inside is a labyrinth of streets where you’ll discover traditional pubs, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. Make your way to York Minster – an immense gothic cathedral – to admire a true architectural masterpiece.

Blackpool

Head west away from Leeds Bradford International Airport (via the A65) for just under two hours and you’ll arrive in Blackpool – one of Britain’s most popular seaside resorts. Stop off at any of Blackpool’s three piers to stroll along the seaside and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding areas from the top of Blackpool Tower. Tuck into some fresh fish and chips and pick up a few souvenirs from the shops along the seafront while you’re here.

There is a good public transport network in Leeds by rail and bus, however, if you are travelling to the area for business or leisure, a hire car gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel further afield and explore the wider area. From the vibrant cultural hubs of Leeds and Bradford to the rolling Yorkshire countryside beyond, an Avis hire car will make your journey memorable and you’ll find our Avis team at Leeds Bradford Airport ready to help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down. If you plan to hit the road and want some inspiration, check out our guide to great drives in the Lake District compiled by our experts.

Which side of the road?

In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways, however, only overtake on the right side of the road. Overtaking on the left could result in prosecution for dangerous driving.
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits

All speed signs will be in miles per hour (mph).

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

Urban areas:

lowest 20 mph (31 km/h, for congested city centres) and usually 30mph (48km/h) Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h). Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in the UK before you set off.

Parking is plentiful in Leeds and you are visiting the centre of the city, Leeds City Council has this helpful guide to Leeds car parking offering options to prebook and pay.