Travel
First TransPennine Express

First TransPennine Express

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First TransPennine Express (TPE) operates fast intercity services across Northern England and into Scotland. Book advance and flexible fares at tpexpress.co.uk for modern trains, frequent schedules, onboard Wi‑Fi and practical options for both business and leisure travellers.

Service areaNorthern England & Scotland
BookingOnline, mobile app & stations
Price level$$
Main focusIntercity regional rail services

Why choose TPE

Top reasons to travel with TransPennine Express

01Extensive northern networkDirect links between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh make cross‑Pennine travel quick and convenient.
02Modern onboard experienceMost services offer free Wi‑Fi, power sockets and comfortable seating, designed for business commuters and weekend travellers alike.
03Flexible fares & optionsAdvance savings, off‑peak and season tickets, plus First Class upgrades and group fares give real flexibility for different journeys.
01

Fast cross‑Pennine connections

TransPennine Express links major northern hubs with competitive journey times and frequent departures, ideal for business day trips and weekend escapes. Routes run between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle and into Scotland, with direct services that avoid multiple changes. Book online for Advance fares to secure the best prices and convenient e‑ticket delivery.

intercity train exterior
02

Comfort and practical onboard facilities

Onboard, TPE prioritises useful comforts: free Wi‑Fi on many services, power sockets at seats and spacious standard-class seating. First Class provides larger tables and quieter cars where available. Cycle spaces and accessibility assistance are available on most services, while catering varies by route—check the service details when you book.

train carriage interior

Ticket types

Advance ticketsOff‑peak ticketsPeak ticketsSeason ticketsFirst Class ticketsGroup bookingsBike reservationsAccessible travel assistance

Our verdict

What we like

  • Frequent direct services across the North and into Scotland
  • Free onboard Wi‑Fi and power sockets on many trains
  • Easy online booking and mobile e‑tickets
  • Wide range of fare types including Advance and Season tickets

Worth knowing

  • Peak fares can be costly without advance booking
  • Service alterations and engineering works can disrupt routes
  • Onboard catering varies; not all services have a café

Need-to-know

How do I receive my ticket?
Most bookings issue as mobile e‑tickets or print‑at‑home PDFs. Some Advance fares require collection from a ticket machine or staffed ticket office—check your confirmation for collection instructions.
Can I change or get a refund on my ticket?
Flexible and off‑peak tickets are usually refundable or changeable subject to conditions. Advance tickets are generally restricted and non‑refundable but may permit changes for a fee; always review fare rules before purchase.
Are there discounts or railcards available?
Yes—standard UK Railcards apply for 1/3 off many fares, plus child fares, group discounts and occasional promotional offers on tpexpress.co.uk. Check the booking flow for eligibility and savings.