A TransPennine Express train in its Blue ‘Nova’ branding livery — how to recognise the operator

TransPennine Express trains

The inter-city operator across the Pennines, linking the great cities of the North and reaching into Scotland, with a modern three-class fleet.

Photo: Samson Ng . D201@EAL · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

About TransPennine Express

TransPennine Express runs faster inter-city services across the North of England, threading between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York and Newcastle and reaching up to Scotland. Its modern fleet of diesel, bi-mode and electric units gives a good mix at the busy northern junctions it serves.

Routes & network

Liverpool and Manchester to Leeds, York, Newcastle, Scarborough and Edinburgh
Manchester Airport connections

Fleet

Class 185 (diesel units)
Class 802 (bi-mode units)
Class 397 ‘Nova’ (electric units)

How to identify TransPennine Express trains

Look for the modern blue-branded units — the 185s, 802s and electric 397 Novas working the trans-Pennine and Anglo-Scottish routes.

Where to spot them

Doncaster ★★★★★

A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.

York ★★★★★

One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.

Log every operator you catch

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