So we're all set for Harrogate in April. Our flight arrives in Manchester at 16:30. What's the best and most economical way to get to Harrogate? A taxi would be the most convenient but I'm sure it'll cost an arm and a leg. What about shuttle services? Thank you very much.

I lived in Harrogate for 20 years and we used to fly on holiday from Manchester airport. We used to go to the airport by taxi as it was cheaper than taking our car and paying for parking.
I think it will cost you about £75 for a taxi one way - that's roughly what we last paid a few months ago.
I personally don't think that's bad at all and it will certainly be convenient to get off the plane and know you'll have a car to take you directly to your accommodation.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

I hate our rail service. It is not punctual, overcrowded and usually about as cost effective as hiring a Bentley and chauffeur. It would appear that this journey will take around 2 and a half hours and with at least 1 change and cost around £30 per ticket return. (or £50 for two singles !!!)

Taxi : I don't know but based on the rates in Lancashire I imagine around £80 one way as you are travelling at a peak time.

I am sure a coach will involve

Airport:Manchestereeds:Harrogate

which I wouldn't wish on a bent Labour peer.

Can you drive? car hire will be cost effective.

On a good run less than an hour and a half. At that time going through two major cities it will be longer. If you do opt to drive use the eastern M60 not the western side, it is a far quieter section of the Manchester ring road and many route maps do seem to recognise the eastern sector.

For some reason Fodors (above) seems to think Leeds is a dirty word. Strange, the editors must be Lancastrian!

I like our fantastic train service and if I was travelling alone i'd take the train, but like Morgana I'd book a one way taxi for 2+ but book it don't just use the guys at the airport.

I used to drive the M62 at 5:30pm (you are in the norhern rush hour from hell) everyday and I would not ask Ed Balls to drive it for me so get a professional and go to sleep. They might propose to take you north via Blackburn and along the secret motorway into Harrogate from the west rather than the south. Not a bad idea.

DickieG . . . That was because you omitted the space between the <B><red>:</B></red> and the <red><B>L</B></red>

Manchestereeds vs. Manchester: Leeds

Many thanks to all who replied. Will take a taxi. The cost is £70 and another couple will be joining us.

Don't know which company you have chosen but as a rule of thumb you pick a company that is based at your destination - in this case Harrogate - as they'll know where you want to go and the best way to reach it.

Thanks, Alan, that's just what we did. Dumb luck. Is traffic really that awful?

Around Manchester and Leeds at 16:30 (unless it is Sunday) then yes it is that bad.

Best route would be up the M60, M66, over to Skipton and then to Harrogate. Also the most scenic.

The flight lands at 4.30 so by the time they are out of the airport and into the taxi the worst of the traffic could be over.
I prefer DickieG's route across to Skipton and then Harrogate but having travelled from Manchester to Harrogate by taxi many times I don't think any 2 taxi drivers ever did it the same way! Most take you through Leeds, and then to Harrogate via Harewood.