New all‑night rail services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport are set to give a direct boost to Greater Manchester’s night‑time economy, as TransPennine Express (TPE) introduces a new timetable this week.
From Sunday 17 May, trains will run roughly every hour throughout the night, seven days a week, improving access for airport and hospitality workers, late‑night businesses, and passengers travelling during early‑morning and overnight hours.
The overnight services were previously outlined in the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s phased plan to integrate local rail services with the Bee Network from December 2026. Their introduction marks early progress in work under way to improve rail services and create a more joined‑up transport network across the city region.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We’re proud of our thriving night-time economy, and we’re looking to back it with transport that matches how people live and work.
“These all-night trains will help people get to where they need to be – whether that’s catching an early flight, getting home after a late shift, or travelling into town to enjoy everything our night-time economy has to offer.
“It’s a great example of partners working together for Greater Manchester, and it underlines our direction of travel with the Bee Network: one integrated, passenger-focused network across buses, trams and trains that works for the millions of people living in and visiting our city-region.”
The changes come as passengers across Greater Manchester are benefitting from a simplified rail fares system, designed to make train travel easier to understand and better value. With just two ticket options – Anytime and Off‑Peak – available for travel within the region, the fares make it simpler for people travelling outside traditional peak hours to plan journeys with confidence.
Together, the new services and simpler fares support Greater Manchester’s growing night‑time economy, making it easier for people to get to and from work, enjoy the city’s culture and travel at all hours, while laying the foundations for future integration with the Bee Network.
Nicola Buckley, people director at TransPennine Express, said: “These all‑night services are about supporting the people and businesses that keep Greater Manchester going 24 hours a day.
“By improving overnight connections to Manchester Airport, we’re making rail a more practical option for workers and passengers alike, while helping to strengthen the region’s night‑time economy.
Image credit: TransPennine Express