Northern Rail | Train Tickets & Information

Tue, Dec 16
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Provider information and services

Northern Rail (3)

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Popular routes

Northern Rail train tickets

Select the route

Showing the fastest and cheapest results for Dec 16

Northern Rail (3)
08:46AM1h09
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
09:55AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
61One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
08:32AM0h56
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
09:28AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
151One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
08:00AM0h53
Deansgate (DGT)
08:53AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
141One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail Routes
Northern Rail Timetable
About Northern Rail
FAQ

Northern Rail tickets can be purchased via Omio

Northern Rail + Omio

Northern Rail Blackpool North Construction Works

Please note that Northern Railway is busy preparing the railway route to improve services. Due to severe weather such as Storm Emma and 'The Best From The East' pushing back engineering works, the route will continue to be services by bus replacement options until April 16th. Please contact Omio on our cancellations page if you want to cancel or amend your ticket to travel on a different day.

Northern Rail Routes

Northern Rail trains provide transport to tens of thousands of people across the north of England. Many commute to work and use Northern Railway trains daily.

Northern Rail Stations and Destinations

Northern rail trains travel around the north of England: Blackburn, Bolton, Bradford, Buxton, Carlisle, Hull, Leeds, Kendal, Lancaster, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Southport, Wakefield, Wigan and York, to name a few.

Northern Trains Tickets and Timetables

There are two class types available: Standard and First Class. In First Class, you can expect some added extra, such as comfier seats. With Northern Rail, you can buy Advance tickets easily which is an excellent way to make savings. They are only valid for that specific train. Besides the standard Anytime, Advance and Off-Peak tickets, you can buy railcards which gives you discounts on off peak tickets. If you need more clarification on which ticket to buy, see our Train Ticket Guide to get a breakdown of the different ticket types.

northern_rail
From Liverpool to Manchester
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From Halifax to Manchester
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From Preston to Manchester
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From Manchester to Sheffield
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From Manchester to Bolton
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From Manchester to Leeds
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From Poulton-le-Fylde to Manchester
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From Manchester to Lancaster
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From Manchester to Buxton
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From Halifax to Manchester

 

About Northern

Northern Railway is known for its sprinter trains which usually have 2-3 carriages and have a retro feel. Northern has announced that there will be a €1bn investment to update the trains themselves so the state-of-the-art trains can travel up to 100mph. The current diesel trains will be exchanged for newer, more efficient models by 2019; passenger capacity is expected to increase by 30%. Northern is part of the Arriva group, which is responsible for providing passenger transport outside of Germany (from the Deutsche Bahn (DB).

northern_rail

Stations managed
464

Stations called at
528

Fleet size
368 units

 

Daily Trains
2,500

FAQ

Northern Accessibility

Northern trains have a service called Passenger Assist which aids older and disabled customers board the trains in comfort. Seats can be reserved or spaces can be found to fit in wheelchairs; the service helps less mobile passengers enjoy their journey. The helpline is available 24hrs/day, 364 days per year. Call +44 800 138 556 to make your reservation. There is another service called Blue Assist for those who have difficulty communicating. Staff are trained to help respond to passengers' questions which are written on a card.

Northern Luggage

You can bring up to 2 items of luggage measuring 30cm x 70cm x 90cm as well as a bad that fits on your lap. You can store suitcases safely in the luggage compartment as you enter the carriage. For smaller items, you can use the luggage racks overhead to place soft items, small shopping bags and laptops; alternatively place them under the seat infront of you. Make sure your luggage does not disturb other customers or block the aisles or exits.

Northern Wifi and Services

Northern trains do not have Wi-Fi on them yet - they will be upgraded and fitted with wifi respectively. However, you currently have Wi-Fi available at stations by logging into the Hotspot. There is a fair data use policy which you must adhere to.

Northern Travelling with pets

You can bring small pets such as cats, dogs and other small animals, up to 2 small animals per person. Cats or other small animals must be kept in a pet carrier and dogs must be kept on the lead. Pet carriers should stay on the floor or on your lap if they are small enough. The animal must be able to comfortably stand or sit within the pet carrier.

Northern Lost and Found

Should you lose any luggage or items of clothing or coats, report where and when you think you lost the item on the northern_rail website. Their customer service will contact you if they retrieve it, or if it in handed in. Similarly, if you find anything on a train or at the station then hand it in to train station staff. Remember to keep clear of unattended luggage and inform a member of staff right away.

Northern Bicycles

Folding bicycles and pushchairs are considered standard luggage so they can be folded away and storen in the luggage racks for safety. Its best to cover your bicycle in a protective cover in the interest and safety of passengers, but also to protect your bike. You can bring a bike on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Northern Cancellations and Modifications

Northern train tickets can be cancelled if you change your mind. Go to the Omio Cancellations' page to amend your ticket or cancel it entirely. It depends on your ticket flexibility options; if you have an Advance ticket, this will be non refundable. Contact customer services for refund or visit the contact page.

Northern Transport of minors

Although there is no minimum age for a child to travel alone, advice to parents is to only have competent children travel who know the risks of train travel. If a member of staff is concerned about a minor travelling their own, they will contact the British Transport Police.

Northern Refunds

If your train is delayed, compensation could be given. There is a system called Delay Repay where trains, which are cancelled or more than 30-59 minutes late, result in 50% of the cost of a single ticket being refunded. For longer delays the amount reimbursed will, be higher. Please ensure to inform us within 28 days of your journey so we can issue the refunds.

Popular Northern Rail routes

Liverpool to Manchester train

from 4
Direct trains available
0h35 average duration
12trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • TransPennine Express
  • East Midlands Trains

Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train

from 5
Direct trains available
0h50 average duration
19trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • East Midlands Trains
  • TransPennine Express

Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train

from 2
Direct trains available
0h13 average duration
15trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • TransPennine Express
  • Transport for Wales

Manchester Airport (MIA) to Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) train

from 6
Direct trains available
1h07 average duration
12trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • East Midlands Trains
  • TransPennine Express
  • Northern Rail (3)

Manchester to Liverpool train

from 4
Direct trains available
0h38 average duration
12trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • East Midlands Trains
  • TransPennine Express

Manchester Airport (MIA) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train

from 2
Direct trains available
0h14 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • Transport for Wales
  • TransPennine Express

Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train

from 8
Direct trains available
0h46 average duration
20trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • East Midlands Trains
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • TransPennine Express

Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) train

from 4
Direct trains available
0h52 average duration
17trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • East Midlands Trains
  • Transport for Wales
  • Avanti West Coast
  • TransPennine Express

Manchester to Leeds train

from 4
Direct trains available
0h50 average duration
58trains per day
Served by
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • East Midlands Trains
  • TransPennine Express
  • CrossCountry

Leeds to Manchester train

from 2
Direct trains available
0h54 average duration
59trains per day
Served by
  • TransPennine Express
  • Northern Rail (3)
  • East Midlands Trains

Northern Rail FAQs

Everything you need to know to travel with Northern Rail: amenities, cancellation policy, luggage allowance and more

FAQs
With Northern Rail, you can travel to numerous destinations across Northern England, including cities like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
Trains operated by Northern Rail are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering facilities such as wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, and a passenger assistance service.
To cancel a train ticket with Northern Rail, you should refer to their refund policy for specific ticket types to understand the applicable cancellation terms.
With Northern Rail, there is no formal check-in process; simply board the train with a valid ticket.
If you miss a connection due to a delay, Northern Rail offers compensation as they have a policy in place for such situations.
With Northern Rail, refunds are generally processed within 14 working days. Advance tickets are non-refundable, while Anytime and Off-Peak tickets can be refunded with a £10 administration fee.
With Northern Rail, Advance tickets are non-refundable, while Anytime and Off-Peak tickets are refundable with a £10 admin fee; refunds are usually processed within 14 working days.
If your Northern Rail train is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation, especially if the delay affects your connecting journey.
For a train delay with Northern Rail exceeding 120 minutes, the compensation is 50% of the single ticket price.
For a train delay of 60 to 119 minutes, Northern Rail offers a compensation of 25% of the single ticket price.
Northern Rail operates from numerous stations across Northern England, including major hubs like Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds Station.
On Northern Rail trains, passengers can place their luggage in overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, or under seats, with a limit of 2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage per person.
Northern Rail does not operate overnight trains as night journeys are not available.
You do not need to bring your passport when traveling domestically with Northern Rail; a valid train ticket is sufficient.
Small pets can travel for free on Northern Rail trains, and dogs must be on a lead with a maximum of two dogs allowed per passenger.
If your train is canceled, Northern Rail provides a full refund.
Certain types of train tickets purchased with Northern Rail, such as Flexible and Anytime tickets, are refundable subject to a cancellation fee, while Advance tickets are generally non-refundable.
Northern Rail trains are equipped with USB plug sockets.
Subway tickets cannot be bought onboard Northern Rail trains.
Northern Rail does not provide compensation for delays caused by weather or strikes.
Yes, Northern Rail trains offer WiFi onboard for passengers.
Northern Rail offers quiet zones on some of their trains, allowing passengers to enjoy a quieter travel experience.

station information and services

Most popular Northern Rail train stations

Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
  • Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Caffè Nero
  • KFC
  • Leon
  • McDonald's
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Starbucks
  • Pret a Manger
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • Delice de France
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on platform 12 on the South Concourse
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center
  • The Queens Hotel
  • Leeds Marriott Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
  • Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Platform 0 / 1 Platform 6 / 8 behind the lift Platform 12 / 15 Short stay car park
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Public transit options for Leeds
  • Bus lines: 1, 16, 201, 229, 34, 5, 60, A1
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​

Northern Rail destinations

Not sure where to begin your Northern Rail adventure? Check out these popular Northern Rail destinations for travel details and nearby attractions:

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