Train tickets explained

Advance train tickets are your route to finding the best train fare and offer savings of over 50%. 

Advance tickets go on sale up to 24 weeks ahead of the journey and are available to purchase up to 15 minutes before departure on most routes, subject to availability.

Advance (one-way) tickets are available for both Standard and First Class train travel and they are only valid on the train service for which they are booked.

You can now change your Advance train ticket for free and will only have to pay the difference between an old and new fare.

The Airport Advance is just the ticket for travel to and from Manchester Airport.

It works the same as a regular Advance, but it’s more flexible in case your flight to the UK experiences any delays. Just make sure you book your train ticket from the Airport at least an hour after your scheduled arrival time; that way, if your flight is delayed, you'll still be able to travel up to 3 hours after the time on your train ticket.

If the next service to your destination is timed to depart more than 3 hours after the original departure time you may use this service.

Don't forget to endorse your ticket at the Manchester Airport station ticket office before you board the train.

These are the most flexible train tickets with no time restrictions on when you can travel.

Anytime Single (one-way) tickets are valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket and until 04:29 the following morning. For Anytime Return tickets, the outward journey must be made within 5 days of the date shown on your train ticket and return journeys must be made within 1 calendar month.

Anytime tickets are available for both Standard and First Class train travel.

Off Peak travel offers cheaper train tickets during quieter times of day. 

Off Peak Single and Return tickets can be bought in advance or on the same day - you’ll be told about restrictions when you buy the ticket. 

Save even more by buying an Off Peak train ticket with a railcard.

Season Tickets are ideal for regular journeys on the same route and can be used for travel on any day within the validity of the ticket. They are available for 7 days, a calendar month, and any period between 1 and 12 months.

There are lots of benefits of having a Season Ticket, including free First Class travel on TransPennine Express weekend services for no extra cost.

A First Class ticket option is available on all TransPennine Express services. With your First Class ticket you can enjoy free food and drink on services where refreshments are provided.

Weekend First – upgrade your Standard Class ticket on any TransPennine Express service on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays with our Weekend First. The price is either £10, £15 or £20 per person one-way depending on the distance you’re travelling.
Please ask the conductor to find out how much the upgrade is for your journey.

Popular Journeys

From Leeds to Manchester £10
From Manchester to Edinburgh £20
From Newcastle to York £10
From Manchester to Newcastle £15
From Sheffield to Manchester £10
From Manchester to Cleethorpes £15
From Liverpool to Leeds £10

Simply find an unreserved First Class seat and pay the Conductor for your upgrade.
Please note there are no child or Railcard discounts available on Weekend First.

Please keep in mind that Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) season tickets, e.g. MetroCards, do not qualify for the weekend First Class upgrade.

If you’re travelling in a group of 3-9 people, book TPE Advance tickets together on our website and you’ll save 33%.

This discount is available on Standard and First Class tickets – make sure you look out for the ‘G’ icon when selecting your tickets online.

If there’s 10 or more of you, you could still be eligible for a discount. Call our group travel team on 0345 600 1674 from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

These tickets offer flexibility and great value for money if you want unlimited travel in a specified area.

Rover tickets are available in a number of areas for specified periods of travel and Ranger tickets are valid for 1 day. You can also get an All Line Rover ticket that allows unlimited travel across the National Rail network for periods of 7 or 14 days.

There are time restrictions on the use of some Rover and Ranger tickets.

Up to 2 children under 5 can travel free with any adult passenger holding a ticket. 

Children up to 16 years old are entitled to 50% discount on most tickets bought in advance.

The Family and Friends Railcard is a good option if you're travelling with kids and looking to save money on train tickets.