Rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead as Manchester’s Christmas markets return tomorrow.
Rail operators are warning of significantly higher demand on train services during the festive period, with Manchester Piccadilly expected to be especially busy.
More than 382,000 people passed through the station during the opening weekend of the 2025 markets—an 11 per cent increase on the same period in 2024.
Similar crowds are expected this year.
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."
Passengers are being reminded to follow three golden rules: plan journeys in advance using nationalrail.co.uk, take an earlier train home to avoid late evening crowds, and show respect to fellow passengers and railway staff.
Network Rail, Northern, and TransPennine Express have warned that trains and platforms across Manchester’s city centre stations will be much busier than usual.
Queuing systems may be introduced at Manchester Piccadilly to manage crowds safely.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also issued seasonal travel advice.
Danny Vaughan, chief network officer at TfGM, 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."
Manchester’s Christmas markets will run from Friday, November 6, to Tuesday, December 22, spanning ten city centre sites with more than 210 stalls.
For more information on public transport and travel during the festive period, visit tfgm.com/manchester-christmas-markets.
English (US) ·