Media centre

Thursday 5 Nov 2026

Rail travel advice as Manchester Christmas Markets return tomorrow

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Rail passengers travelling into Manchester are being urged to ‘think in threes’ when the city’s famous Christmas markets return for 2026.

Huge numbers are expected to travel in and out of Manchester by train for the annual festive event which will see over 210 stalls across ten city centre sites from Friday 6 November until Tuesday 22 December.

With bumper crowds expected, Network Rail, Northern and TransPennine Express are advising rail travellers to follow three 'golden rules' for the smoothest journey possible.

• Plan your journey and check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk    
• Take an earlier train home – later services will be extremely busy
• Please respect other passengers and railway staff when making your journey

During the opening weekend of 2025’s Christmas markets, over 382,000 people* used Manchester Piccadilly station (11% more than the same weekend in 2024).

While the markets are a great attraction in the run up to Christmas, it can mean trains and platforms at all stations across the city centre are much busier.

As with previous years at Manchester Piccadilly, queuing systems may be used to safely allow people to board their trains home, and extra staff will be around to lend a helping hand.

Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly station manager, said: “It’s time to get into the festive spirit with Manchester’s Christmas markets back once more – and we want everyone to have the smoothest journey possible if coming to and from the city by train.

"To make your journeys as easy as possible, we're urging travellers to follow our key travel tips - plan your journey, take earlier trains home as later ones will be very busy, and please respect our teams and fellow passengers. There will be extra staff in place across the network to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout the festive season.”

Transport for Greater Manchester has also issued specific Bee Network travel advice during the Christmas markets.

Danny Vaughan, Transport for Greater Manchester chief network officer, said: “Christmas is the busiest and most exciting time of the year and Greater Manchester is ready to welcome everyone with open arms. Public transport is the reliable and affordable way to make the most of everything the city region offers – whether heading out to enjoy the markets, shops, restaurants, sporting and music events or festive attractions.  

“We’re boosting Bee Network bus and tram services, opening Park and Rides and working closely with rail operators across the region to give you more ways to get around. If you are heading into or around the region this Christmas, plan your joined-up journey using the Bee Network app or website." 

For more information people can visit: https://tfgm.com/manchester-christmas-markets. 

To plan journeys in advance and find out train times home passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk.