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Simpler Rail Fares in Greater Manchester

From Sunday 7 December 2025, rail fares across Greater Manchester will be simplified to make train travel easier, fairer and more flexible

This change is part of the industry’s wider plans to modernise the railways and supports future integration with the Bee Network and contactless payment from December 2026.

What’s changing with fares in Greater Manchester?

Passengers travelling between 2 railway stations in Greater Manchester and buying tickets on the day will be offered just 2 simple options:

  • Anytime – Single or Return

  • Off-Peak – Single or Return

Key points

  • The tickets are valid across all train operators serving Greater Manchester

  • It’s simpler and fairer, removing confusing operator-specific fares

  • All 96 stations in Greater Manchester are included

  • They are available online, at ticket vending machines and in ticket offices

  • Singles and Returns are available for both ticket types, and Singles are half the cost of a Return

  • Advance tickets purchased before the day of travel and Season Tickets remain available

  • Railcard discounts, Duo, and Ranger and Rover products are unchanged

Benefits for passengers

  • 52% of journeys will be cheaper, with savings of up to £1.50

  • Around 4,000 customers per week will avoid overpaying by using off-peak tickets correctly

  • Average fare across Greater Manchester will fall by 5.6%

  • 85% of fare increases will be 20p or less

  • Greater flexibility for airport travellers and those using multiple operators

Stations within the simpler rail fares zone


map of stations within Greater Manchester

FAQs

Yes, all existing Railcard discounts remain valid.

Yes, Advance tickets will still be available up to the day before travel.

Yes, cash payments and printed tickets will still be available.

To ensure fairness and simplicity, some fares have been adjusted. Most increases are minor (20p or less).

Yes, station staff will be ready to help.

Yes, your ticket will still be valid as normal.

Tickets to and from stations outside the simpler fare zone remain unchanged.

If you have an Anytime (Peak) or Off-peak ticket then it will be valid on any train operator.

Advance tickets remain valid for the train shown on the ticket.

Yes, if you’re travelling on an Anytime (Peak) or Off-peak ticket.

If you’re using an Advance ticket then the usual conditions apply.

Off-peak fares are generally valid from 9.30 to 16:00 and from 18:00 onwards on weekdays, and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays.