Train travel

Both the East Coast Main Line and the Hadrian’s Wall Line pass through our county. These are both national networks which pass through a variety of places in and around Northumberland.

The East Coast Main Line passes through Newcastle, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Edinburgh, whereas the Hadrian’s Wall Line passes through Newcastle, Hexham, and Carlisle.

If you have any questions about train travel in Northumberland, please contact the National Rail enquiry service on 03457 484950.

Please click here for more information about National Rail

 

East Coast Main Line

LNER:

• You can travel south towards London King’s Cross.
• You can travel north to Edinburgh and beyond.
• Some trains will call within Northumberland at Berwick, Alnmouth or Morpeth.
• Trains do call more frequently at Newcastle compared to Northumberland.

CrossCountry:

• You can travel south towards Sheffield and Birmingham, as well as the south west.
• You can travel north to Edinburgh and beyond.
• Some trains will call within Northumberland at Berwick, Alnmouth or Morpeth.
• Trains do call more frequently at Newcastle compared to Northumberland.

Northern Rail:

• Provides a local service between Morpeth, Cramlington, Newcastle, and Intu Metrocentre.
• The service runs hourly during the day from Monday to Saturday.
• A commuter train runs to Newcastle and back from Chathill, Alnmouth, Acklington, Widdrington, and Pegswood.

Hadrian’s Wall Line

The Hadrian’s Wall Line is also known as the Tyne Valley Line. It is one of England’s most scenic railways, as well as providing a fast, convenient way to travel.

In conjunction with the Hadrian’s Wall Bus, you can use the line to access all of the historic sites of the Hadrian’s Wall area.

Please click here to visit the Hadrian’s Wall Country website.

Most trains on the Tyne Valley line are operated by Northern Rail:

• Between Carlisle and Newcastle, trains run hourly for most of the day, including Sundays.
• All trains call at Haltwhistle, Hexham, and Prudhoe.
• Several trains make additional calls at Bardon Mill, Haydon Bridge, and other smaller stations east of Hexham.
• A small number of trains run beyond Carlisle to Dumfries and Glasgow.

 
Connecting trains at Newcastle and Carlisle:

• Transpennine Express:
  • You can connect with trains at Newcastle which will take you to Leeds and Manchester.
  • These trains also run north to Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Avanti West Coast:
  • You can connect with trains at Carlisle which will take you south to Preston and beyond.

Here you will find more information about our travel schemes, passenger representation, and partnerships.

PlusBus:

• If you are travelling to Hexham or Alnmouth stations, you can buy a through ticket to complete your journey by local bus.
• The scheme is also available in Newcastle and Carlisle.

Please click here for more information about PlusBus

Transport Focus:

• Transport Focus are an independent transport user watchdog.
• They represent passengers using trains, buses, and coaches.
• They liaise with local operators, or Nexus (Tyne and Wear passenger transport executive) for Metro services, with regards to the quality of services provided.

PLEASE NOTE: Rail users wishing to comment about train services in Northumberland should firstly contact the train operator.

• If you are not satisfied with the reply to any comment, please contact Transport Focus:
  • via their webform
  • via email on advice@transportfocus.org.uk
  • via phone on 0300 123 2350
  • via Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ

Please click here for more information about Transport Focus

Tyne Valley community rail partnership (TVCRP):

• Northumberland County Council supports the TVCRP.
• They have the aim of promoting the Hadrian’s Wall Line for residents and visitors

 
Please click here for more information about TVCRP