Train Cancellations
What to do if your Northern train is cancelled
We're here to provide the best service possible for you, and although the majority of trains run on time, unfortunately delays and cancellations do occasionally happen.
We understand how frustrating this can be, so we have options and protocols in place to get you moving (or compensate you) if you're affected.
What to do if your Northern train is cancelled?
If your train is cancelled, you don't have to buy a new Northern ticket to travel that day.
There are a number of options to either take an alternative service or claim a refund. Here's a guide to what you can do and where to find the information:
Delay Repay Refunds & Compensation Service Updates Check your journey
Get on another Northern service
If your Northern train has been cancelled you can travel on other Northern trains (before or after your original time) to get you to your destination that day.
Where possible travel the same route as your original service.
Journey planners are the most up-to-date way to check train services.
Check your journey View travel disruptions
Get on another service
If your Northern train is cancelled you can also use your ticket on Transpennine Express, or LNER trains up to 2 hours before or 2 hours after at no extra cost.
You must travel to your ticketed destination, but you can take any required connections at the start or end of your journey (with Northern, LNER or TPE).
If no trains are available, please speak to a member of staff who can advise.
Refunds and delay repay
If the train you planned to catch is cancelled, you are entitled to claim a full refund on your ticket, you can do this through the Refunds page. providing your ticket was purchased from Northern.
Once we’ve received your unused ticket (or digital ticket), we’ll verify the cancellation and issue a refund.
A delay allows you to claim compensation, with the amount you can claim depending on the length of the delay.
Delay repay can be claimed through the Northen Delay repay page.
Northern have designed Delay Repay specifically for a train not running on time. It works by offering you compensation if you arrive at your destination station 15 minutes or more after you were meant to because a Northern train was delayed or cancelled.
| Ticket type | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length of delay suffered | Single | Return |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 25% of the ticket cost | 12.5% of the ticket cost |
| 30 to 59 minutes | 50% of the ticket cost | 25% of the ticket cost |
| 60 to 119 minutes | 100% of the ticket cost | 50% of the ticket cost |
| Over 120 minutes | 100% of the ticket cost | 100% of the ticket cost |
If you wish you can receive tickets in lieu of financial compensation, just fill out a Delay Repay form, and we’ll ensure you receive what you are entitled to.
FAQs
If your train is cancelled by Northern, and you don't travel, you are entitled to a refund.
If you purchased your ticket via Northern, use the refund page.
Alternatively, you can travel on other Northern trains (before or after your original time) to get you to your destination that day.
Where possible travel the same route as your original service.
If your Northern train is cancelled, you can use any Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern or LNER service to get to your destination within two hours either side of the time of your cancelled service.
Participating train operators currently include:
- Northern
- TransPennine Express
- SouthEastern
- LNER
You can find the latest news of any delays or cancellations on our website or via the station announcement service.
Yes, you can catch an alternative Northern train if your service is cancelled (on the same day, and by a reasonable route, as your ticket states). Just check Northern’s timetable to find an alternative train or speak to a team member.
If your Northern train is cancelled, you can use any Northern, TransPennine Express or LNER service to get to your destination within two hours either side of the time of your cancelled service.
Participating train operators currently include:
- Northern
- TransPennine Express
- SouthEastern
- LNER
Where possible, check frequently before travelling on the last services of the day, as they may be cancelled at late notice leaving little or no direct rail service late on.
If the last Northern service of the day is cancelled, you can get on any other Northern service that gets you closer to your destination for a connection.
You can use any Northern, TransPennine Express or LNER service to get to your destination within two hours either side of the time of your cancelled service.
If there is still no option to travel after a cancelled last service, please speak to a member of staff (or use a help point) who can advise details and travel information.
Northern App
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.