Check before you travel
We pride ourselves on getting you to your destination as quickly and comfortably as possible, but disruption can sometimes happen. It is always best to check your journey before you travel so that you can be aware of any issues and plan ahead.
You can check updates for all UK trains using our app, the journey checker tool below or from National Rail Enquiries. You will also find useful information on how best to travel during future service updates and events across our network.
Download the Northern app for Apple and Android devices here:
Planned disruption across our network
To improve our overall network, we sometimes need to put diversions, restrictions and even station closures in place. Please check below to see if any of your services are affected.
Due to planned engineering improvement works, some of our weekend services will be affected throughout July and August. Train timetables are available in planners for you to check how this affects your journey.
Where advertised buses will run to a schedule and will take longer than the train, please check journey planners before travelling for the most accurate times and allow extra time for your journey.
Weekends Saturday & Sunday: 5/6, 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27 July
- Leeds – Wigan (via Dewsbury)
Trains will be diverted to run via Bradford Interchange and will not call at Morley, Batley, Dewsbury, Mirfield or Brighouse. - Leeds – Huddersfield (via Dewsbury)
These trains will run between Leeds and Bradford Interchange, calling at Cottingley, Morley, Batley, Dewsbury, Ravensthorpe, Mirfield, Brighouse, Halifax and Low Moor. - Huddersfield – Bradford Interchange
Trains will not run on this route. - Rail replacement buses will run between:
- Huddersfield and Brighouse/Halifax
- Huddersfield and Dewsbury
Weekends: 2/3, 9/10 and 16/17 August
- Leeds – Huddersfield (via Dewsbury)
Trains will not run on this route. - Huddersfield – Bradford Interchange
Trains will not run. - Leeds – Wigan (via Dewsbury)
Trains will be diverted to run via Bradford Interchange and will not call at Morley, Batley, Dewsbury, Mirfield or Brighouse. - TPE services will continue to run between Manchester Victoria and Brighouse.
- Rail replacement buses will run between:
- Huddersfield and Brighouse/Halifax
- Halifax and Dewsbury
- Huddersfield and Dewsbury/Leeds
This work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade - more details can be found on the TRU page.
On weekends from Saturday 5 July - Sunday 18 August, buses will replace trains between Lockwood and Huddersfield on the Penistone line, all day. Buses run to a schedule and take longer than the train; please check journey planners before travelling for the most accurate times.
This work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade - more details can be found on the TRU page.
From Saturday, August 2, to Friday, August 22, 2025, no trains will run through Stockport Station while Network Rail undertakes significant improvement work to replace the Greek Street roundabout bridge.
Read more about these engineering improvement works at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates/engineering/stockport-station or use Journey Planners to check how you may be affected by the closure.
The following options are available to help you continue your journey during this time:
- Rail Replacement Buses: Both express and stopping services will operate on routes serving Stockport.
- Diverted Long-Distance Trains: Some long-distance trains will be diverted and may use alternative routes in and out of Manchester.
- Ticket Acceptance: Tickets will also be accepted on selected Bee Network bus and tram services across Greater Manchester.
Saturday 30 August to Sunday 28 September 2025
Huddersfield station will be closed for 30 days while major engineering improvement works take place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
We’re working with Network Rail and Transpennine Express to improve the railway through Huddersfield – including longer platforms, upgraded track and signalling, and essential repairs to the viaduct.
TransPennine Express (TPE) trains are also affected by this work so check any onward connections.
What this means for your journey?
During this time, no trains will run in or out of Huddersfield station. Rail replacement buses and revised train services will be in place across the region.
Find out more information about the closure here
If you’re planning a trip in the North West on a Sunday, please check journey planners before you head out.
Since Sundays are outside of conductors' regular working week, we've made some changes to the schedule. It's a good idea to check before you embark on your journey.
A summary of the amended Sunday timetable is available on our information page.
To check your journey, visit Northern's Journey Planner or the National Rail website.
Events happening across our network
We put plans in place to deal with big events happening across our network. Check below to find out about how these events may impact our services and what we're doing to avoid disruption.
Heading to Leeds Festival? Plan ahead!
Leeds Festival returns to Bramham Park from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August 2025, with campsites open from Wednesday 20 to Monday 25 August.
Many festivalgoers choose to travel by train, and this means services into Leeds will be busier than usual throughout the week.
Trains are running as normal, but please allow extra time for your journey, especially during peak arrival and departure times.
Travel advice:
· Northern services run regularly to Leeds from York, Manchester, Sheffield and Carlisle and beyond. Our timetables can be found here (insert link)
· From Leeds Station, take the festival shuttle bus from Sovereign Square Park direct to Bramham Park. The shuttle operates from Wednesday 20 to Monday 25 August.
Have an amazing time at Leeds Festival and thanks for travelling with us!
What to do if your train is cancelled
If your Northern train is cancelled and you still want to travel to your planned destination, you don't need to purchase a new Northern ticket for that day. You can:
- Get on another Northern train
- Board any Transpennine Express,, EMR or LNER train that's heading in the same direction (2 hours before or 2 hours after your cancelled service)
- If you no longer wish to travel, you can Claim a full refund
Additionally, on Sundays, if your train is cancelled,you can use the following services until Sunday 18 May.
- Transport for Wales: Manchester - Chester, and Manchester - Crewe
- East Midlands Railway: Liverpool - Warrington - Manchester and Manchester - Sheffield
- Merseyrail: Liverpool - Hunts Cross and Liverpool - Southport
What to do if your train is delayed
If your train is delayed, we ask for your patience as we provide updates. You can check for updates using our App, website or the journey checker tool on this page. If you're at the station, you can speak to our colleagues or use our station screens.
You are only permitted to travel on another train if yours has been cancelled.
If your train is delayed by 15 minutes or more you are eligible to claim money back through Delay Repay.
Further support
Let us show you how to...
Additionally, we have created a series of instructional videos to assist you with booking assisted travel, getting travel updates, choosing the right ticket, understanding disruptions, claiming delay compensation, and how to reach out to us.
Watch our videosNorthern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.