Northern
Northern runs regional and commuter trains to over 500 stations across the North of England, from Advance to Anytime fares.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
- Direct
Northern runs regional and commuter trains across the North of England. It operates as a DfT Operator, so the government holds the contract directly rather than a private franchise running it.
Where Northern runs
More than 500 stations make up the Northern network, across Yorkshire, the North West, the North East, and pockets of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and York anchor the network, with further reach to Blackpool, Carlisle, Chester, Harrogate, Hull, the Yorkshire coast and the Yorkshire dales. Frequency varies a lot by line, from frequent services on the busier city corridors to sparser timetables on rural branches.
Tickets and fares
Northern sells Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime fares, plus season tickets. Its own Northern Explorer ticket gives unlimited travel across the network for a day, which suits a day of hopping between towns rather than a single point-to-point trip. Railcards bring a discount on eligible fares. Buy through the Northern app, the website, or a station ticket machine.
Taking a bike on board
Bikes travel free, with no reservation needed. Space is first come, first served, and most trains carry a maximum of two. A handful of services run without dedicated bike space: Class 170s on the Hull to Bridlington, York and Harrogate lines, and Class 323s between Manchester and Blackpool North, Crewe, Stoke, Hadfield, and Liverpool to Wigan. Tandems, tricycles and trailers are not carried at all.
Accessibility and planning ahead
A step-free access map sits alongside Northern's standard network map, marking which stations need extra help for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. Passenger Assistance and a WhatsApp service both help with planning ahead, and the app covers ticket buying and live times in one place.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Northern
Northern
Frequently asked questions
How many stations does Northern serve?
More than 500, spread from Liverpool and Manchester to Newcastle, Leeds and the Yorkshire coast.
Can I take my bike on a Northern train?
Yes, free of charge and with no reservation, though most trains carry a maximum of two bikes on a first-come, first-served basis. A few Class 170 and Class 323 services have no dedicated bike space.
What ticket types does Northern sell?
Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime fares, season tickets, and the Northern Explorer ticket for unlimited travel on the network for a day. Railcards work on eligible fares.
Are Northern stations accessible?
A step-free access map shows which stations need extra assistance, and Passenger Assistance can be booked ahead or arranged on the day.
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Official website
