Whitby to Darlington only Northern train service running on New Year's Day

Train operator Northern has released updated travel advice for customers making journeys over New Year and the first week of January.

On New Year's Eve, most trains will run to their normal weekday timetables, with the last trains running around 9pm. Buses will replace trains between Leeds and York/Selby whilst improvement work takes place on the line.

Whitby stationplaceholder image
Whitby station

On New Year's Day, trains will start running later in the morning and then move to normal Thursday timetables, except in the North East.

Following its successful introduction last year, Northern will again run a limited-stop special service for people looking to visit Whitby on New Year's Day. Two fast trains will run in each direction between Darlington, Middlesbrough and Whitby.

No other trains will run in the North East on New Year's Day.

Upgrade works will also be taking place across the Northern network throughout January, with trains diverted or buses replacing trains - notably between Leeds and York (via Micklefield) as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Matt Rice, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: "Whilst fewer people are travelling, Network Rail will be carrying out a range of improvement works across the network, so I'd encourage customers to 'check before you travel' to see if your journey is affected."

For more information about travel over the festive period, visit: northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates/christmas-engineering

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

News you can trust since 1882
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice