TransPennine Express | PolishTrains

At a glance

• TransPennine Express has operated since 2004 and was taken into government ownership in 2023
• The network links Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh across northern England and Scotland
• Three fleet types are in use: bi-mode Nova 1, fully electric Nova 2 and diesel Class 185 (Nova 3) trainsets
• All Nova fleet trains provide free Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat
• Tickets can be purchased up to 183 days in advance via PolishTrains without registration
• Designated bicycle spaces are available on all TPE services, subject to current booking rules

TransPennine Express (TPE) is a UK rail operator that started in 2004 as part of FirstGroup and Keolis, bought out in 2023 by the government-owned operator . The company operates regional and inter-regional services, focusing on routes connecting the north of England to southern Scotland. Its trains run through major centres such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh, providing fast and comfortable journeys between key northern cities.

TransPennine Express has a state-of-the-art fleet that provides high travel comfort and flexibility on a variety of routes. The fleet includes:

● Nova 1 - bi-mode (electric/combined trains) serving, among others, routes to Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh. They offer approx. 340 seats, Wi-Fi, sockets at the seats, 5 toilets (including for people with disabilities) and space for 4 bikes.

● Nova 2 - fully electric units with 288 seats, Wi-Fi, on-board information system and 4 toilets. They operate between Manchester Airport and Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh, among others.

● Class 185 (Nova 3) - diesel trainsets with 169 seats, Wi-Fi, electric sockets and bicycle spaces. The depots are used on routes to Manchester, Sheffield, Cleethorpes, among others.

Travelling with TransPennine Express, passengers are provided with a rich set of amenities that enhance the comfort of each route. All depots in the Nova fleet are equipped with free Wi-Fi, electrical sockets and USB ports at every seat. In addition, luggage space is available, as well as spaces designated for bicycles and sports equipment.

On-board services

On-board toilets**(including those adapted for people with reduced mobility**), automatic passenger information systems and quiet zones on selected trains are available. Catering services usually operate in the morning and afternoon - in First Class you can count on a complete menu offering hot dishes, while in Standard there is an Express Café with snacks and drinks available.

TransPennine Express operates an extensive network of services that connects the major cities of the north of England with southern Scotland. The operator provides fast and comfortable transport between business, academic and tourist centres, enabling convenient travel in both directions of the island.

Main destinations

TransPennine Express trains run several times a day, connecting the region's major cities: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. This allows travellers to move effortlessly between the dynamic metropolises of the north of England and the Scottish capital, choosing rail as an alternative to travel by car or plane.

The carrier's network also includes smaller but highly attractive destinations such as the Lake District in Cumbria - one of the UK's most beautiful natural areas - and the coastal towns of Scarborough, Cleethorpes and Hull, known for their family atmosphere and historic centres.

Cities and regions of the north of England

Travellers can visit cities full of life and culture, such as Manchester - with its rich music and sporting scene, Liverpool - famous for its musical heritage and port history, and Leeds - a modern centre for entertainment and business. Other places of interest include York with its impressive cathedral, Durham with its picturesque university and Newcastle with its energetic and vibrant city centre.

For nature lovers, there are connections to regions of outstanding scenic beauty such as the Northumberland Coast and Malton, as well as quiet towns such as Huddersfield and Penrith, which make great bases for hiking and cycling in the north of England.

Routes to Scotland

TransPennine Express routes also run to Glasgow and Edinburgh, offering direct connections from cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle. The journey to Scotland takes just a few hours to reach two of the country's most important cultural and business centres. In addition, the route includes stops in smaller towns like Dunbar, allowing you to explore the lesser-known but charming places in the north of the island.

Comfortable stations and easy transfers

Stations served by TransPennine Express, such as Manchester Piccadilly, Leeds, York, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central, are among the best equipped in the UK. Passengers there have access to restaurants, services, luggage storage, self-service ticket counters and rest areas.

Thanks to a partnership with the PolishTrains platform, travellers can easily plan their journey around the UK. The service provides up-to-date timetables, ticket prices and a departure reminder option. In addition, an electronic ticket can be downloaded at any time on the mobile app and platform numbers or delays can be checked. The ticket can be purchased 183 days in advance, giving you the freedom to plan your journey up to several months ahead. TransPennine Express offers discounts of up to 50 per cent for students and senior citizens, available on the basis of an identity card of any EEA country (including Poland).