TransPennine Express planned strikes 2026: Is my train running this week?

No, there are currently no planned TransPennine Express strikes today or during the coming week. However, passengers may still face disruption from ongoing engineering works and timetable changes across parts of the network.

Services around Huddersfield remain heavily affected by the Transpennine Route Upgrade, with some rail replacement buses operating between Manchester, Leeds, and York. A new national rail timetable is also due to launch on May 17 2026, bringing revised departure times on several routes.

As of May 2026, there are no confirmed strike dates affecting TransPennine Express services. No rail unions have announced active industrial action mandates or planned walkouts for the remainder of May or June 2026.

Current updates include:

• Short-notice disruption: Rail strikes can legally be announced with around two weeks’ notice, while previously planned action can also be suspended at the last minute.
• Reduced long-distance services: During previous strike periods, TPE has operated a heavily reduced timetable, with fewer trains between Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
• Engineering work disruption: Ongoing Transpennine Route Upgrade work is already causing delays, amended timetables, and rail replacement buses on some routes.

Passengers are strongly advised to check journey updates before travelling, especially within 24 hours of departure.

When TransPennine Express strikes take place, disruption can spread quickly across northern England and into Scotland, especially on long-distance intercity routes. Some of the main challenges include:

• Reduced intercity services: TPE introduces a limited strike timetable, with far fewer trains running between major cities throughout the day.
• Fewer cross-Pennine trains: Journeys between Lancashire and Yorkshire become much harder, with direct services reduced or completely suspended during strike periods.
• Overcrowding on remaining services: The trains still operating can become extremely busy, particularly during peak commuting hours and on weekends.

Impact on major routes

Some parts of the network are usually affected more heavily than others, particularly the busiest intercity corridors and regional commuter routes. The routes most commonly affected include:

• Manchester–Leeds–York routes: This key corridor experiences major cancellations, delays, and overcrowding because it carries some of TPE’s busiest passenger demand.
• Newcastle and Scotland connections: Longer-distance services towards Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow are regularly reduced first to prioritise shorter regional operations.
• Regional commuting: Smaller towns across northern England can lose direct intercity services entirely, forcing commuters onto slower replacement routes or local stopping trains

Traveller advice

Passengers travelling during potential strike periods should plan carefully and prepare for longer, busier, and less predictable journeys. The following steps can help reduce disruption to your journey:

• Allow extra time: Delays, altered timetables, and overcrowded trains can significantly increase overall journey times across the TransPennine network.
• Avoid tight connections: Missed connections become far more common during disruption, particularly where replacement buses or amended train schedules are involved.
• Check alternative operators: Northern Trains, London North Eastern Railway, or CrossCountry may offer alternative travel options on some routes.

When TransPennine Express services are reduced or suspended due to strikes, several alternative transport options are usually available across northern England and into Scotland.

LNER and Northern services

CrossCountry alternatives

Services are not always frequent, so checking departure times in advance is essential, especially for longer journeys where connections may be limited.

Coaches for intercity travel

Coach services become a key backup option when rail capacity is heavily reduced. Operators such as National Express and Megabus maintain frequent services between major northern hubs, including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

These journeys take longer than train services but can be more reliable during strike days when rail capacity is constrained. Coaches also tend to have better seat availability at short notice.

How far in advance are TPE strikes announced?

Strikes affecting TransPennine Express are usually announced around 1–2 weeks in advance, as unions must legally provide at least 14 days’ notice.

Will any TransPennine Express trains run during strikes?

Yes, but services are usually heavily reduced. TPE runs a limited “strike timetable” focusing on key intercity routes, such as Manchester–Leeds and, sometimes, York. Services operate within restricted hours, between morning and early evening. Many longer-distance routes, especially towards Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, may be fully suspended or significantly cut back.

Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?

Yes, if your TransPennine Express train is cancelled, delayed significantly, or removed from the timetable due to strike action, you are entitled to a full refund with no admin fee.

Do strikes affect cross-Pennine routes most?

Yes, the Manchester–Leeds–York corridor is the most affected because it is the busiest and most central part of the TransPennine Express network. When services are reduced, trains on this route quickly become overcrowded, and the frequency drops significantly.