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TransPennine Express

TransPennine Express runs trains that link the North East of England and Scotland to Manchester and beyond.

Book TransPennine Express train tickets

Who are TransPennine Express?

TransPennine Express operates trains across the North of England. It links east with west, and as the name suggests, it crosses the Pennines. It has a fleet of 95 trains which serve dozens of stations, of which TransPennine Express operates 19.

On some routes, TransPennine Express can be the cheapest option. Let’s take a look at Edinburgh to Newcastle, travelling a week in advance:

As you can see, there’s quite a saving. This is because they’re usually the slowest option, stopping at most stations on the way. Travelling to Manchester? We’ve produced a guide to the cheapest fares.

Travelling to and from Manchester Airport? You can buy an Airport Advance Single ticket. If your flight is delayed, you can get your ticket endorsed at the Manchester Airport ticket office, and you can travel on the next train up to three hours after your original departure time. Just make sure you leave at least one hour between your flight arriving and the train leaving.

Here at Railsmartr, we offer these tickets where they’re available. Unsure what kind of ticket you’re buying? Just click on the price to find out:

On board services

Luggage

All trains have a variety of overhead luggage racks and bigger luggage stacks. You’ll find that the ‘Nova’ trains have more space above the seats.

Food & Drink

You’ll find food and drink on trains between Newcastle and Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh, York and Manchester (Saltburn trains) and Leeds and Manchester (Hull trains) between 7am and 6:30pm (9am and 6:30pm weekends). It’s available on all services from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh and Glasgow, no matter the time of day.

WIFI

Free WiFi is available on all TransPennine Express services.

Bikes

You’ll need to reserve a space to bring non-folding bikes on trains on the TransPennine Express network. You can make a reservation up to 15 minutes before you travel. There’s more information in our dedicated guide to travelling with bikes.

Pets

Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals can travel free in both Standard and First Class.

Special Assistance

You can find out more about Passenger Assist on our dedicated page.

Standard Class

TransPennine Express have various fleets of different train types. Their Nova fleets all have five carriages. The Nova 1 runs on the Newcastle to Liverpool and Edinburgh/Glasgow to Manchester Airport routes, as well as selected York to Scarborough services. Finally, the Nova 2 operates on the Edinburgh/Glasgow to Manchester Airport/Liverpool routes

The Class 185 runs on all other routes. It has three carriages but will run paired up to form a six-coach train on the busiest services.

All Nova trains have access to power sockets and USB ports at every seat, while all window seats on the Class 185 have access.

Information about routes

North Route

  • Newcastle to Liverpool Lime Street
  • Saltburn to Manchester Airport (via Manchester Victoria)
  • Scarborough to York
  • Hull to Manchester Piccadilly (all stations Leeds-Huddersfield)
  • York/Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly (stopping, runs via Castleford and not Leeds)
  • Newcastle to Edinburgh.

South Route

  • Liverpool Lime Street to Cleethorpes (via Sheffield).

West Coast Routes

  • Edinburgh to Manchester Airport
  • Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport
  • Glasgow Central to Liverpool Lime Street.