Northern is set to introduce a later evening service on the Northumberland Line after strong demand from passengers looking to extend their nights out in Newcastle. The final weekday and Saturday departure from Newcastle to Ashington, currently leaving at 10.16pm, will shift to 10.23pm when the timetable changes on 14 December. A new late service at 11.21pm will also be added, giving customers more flexibility at the end of the day.

Sunday services will see improvements too, with trains extended through to the MetroCentre. The direct link is designed to make it easier for shoppers and leisure travellers to reach one of the region’s busiest retail destinations without changing trains.

The changes arrive almost exactly a year after the line reopened to passengers on 15 December 2024, restoring rail services to the corridor for the first time in six decades. Since reopening, the route has attracted more than 800,000 journeys, with demand rising steadily as communities adapt to the new link.

Paul Henry, Northern’s programme manager for the Northumberland Line, said:

“It’s fantastic to see that passengers have been making the most of services on this line, completing more than 800,000 journeys so far. Since the opening, we have been keeping a close eye on demand and listening to feedback. There have been a lot of calls for a later service and a direct link to the MetroCentre, so we have worked really hard to make that happen.”

Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, added:

“The Northumberland Line has been a huge success and we're delighted that extra services are being brought in. The line really has been transformational for all sorts of reasons and we know how popular it is - so this is another big boost for the service. We're looking forward to the final remaining stations opening early next year.”

The reopening of the line was delivered through a partnership between Northumberland County Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern. Trains currently serve Newcastle, Manors and new stations at Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside and Ashington, with end-to-end journeys taking around 35 minutes. The service has proved especially popular at weekends and during school holidays, though commuter use has also risen sharply.

Passenger numbers using peak-time and season tickets increased by nearly 50% between April and September 2025. Fares on the line remain low, with a maximum peak-time single between Newcastle and Ashington priced at £3 and a return at £6. Off-peak singles cost £2.60 and returns £5.20. Work continues on the remaining stations at Northumberland Park and Bedlington, both expected to open in 2026.

Image: Northern