RAIL passengers are being urged to plan ahead as Christmas crowds return to Manchester.
With the city’s popular Christmas markets drawing thousands of visitors each year, train operators expect stations and services to be exceptionally busy throughout the festive season.
This year’s markets will run from today (November 6) to Tuesday, December 22, featuring more than 210 stalls across 10 city centre locations.
Network Rail, Northern, and TransPennine Express are reminding travellers to follow three key pieces of advice to help keep journeys running smoothly.
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."
The three ‘golden rules’ are to plan journeys in advance, take an earlier train home, and be respectful to others.
During the opening weekend of last year’s markets, more than 382,000 people used Manchester Piccadilly station – 11 per cent more than the same weekend in 2024.
Organisers expect similar demand this year, with platforms and trains likely to be crowded at all city centre stations.
Queuing systems may be introduced at Manchester Piccadilly, and additional staff will be on hand to help manage the flow of passengers.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also released travel advice for those using the Bee Network during the festive period.
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."
Travellers can find more details at tfgm.com/manchester-christmas-markets.
Train times and journey planning information are available at nationalrail.co.uk.
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