TransPennine Express Reviews 1,239

TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.1

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many people were dissatisfied with the service, citing issues with overcrowding, frequent delays, and cancellations. Customers often found themselves standing due to overbooked trains, even with reserved seats, and felt the pricing was excessive for the quality of service received. Some people were dissatisfied with the staff, reporting unhelpful or absent personnel, a lack of communication during disruptions, and a general indifference to passenger needs. However, a few other people also felt that the staff were friendly, caring, and professional, providing good service and assistance, especially to those with special needs.

What people talk about most

Service

Clients share negative opinions on service, with many reviewers consistently reporting dreadful experiences.... See more

Staff

Users describe ambiguous interactions with staff, with many praising individual employees for being friendly,... See more

Price

Reviewers mention negative feedback about price. Many customers express dissatisfaction with what they... See more

Location

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of location. While some customers had positive experiences traveling to... See more

Booking process

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with the booking process. While some reviewers found the... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Compelled thro fiscal coercion to travel an hour earlier from Leeds to Scarborough it was still standing room only made all the more galling on the second leg [ Hogwarts Express] by schoolchildren hap... See more

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Bid for a ticket through Seatfrog, first time travelling first class with TPE and it will be my last, not worth paying any extra money for. The seats were far more comfortable in 'coach' Very little... See more

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Lovely staff and clean trains - but trains between Huddersfield and Leeds routinely cancelled and late at rush hour often significantly and enough for people to miss connections. Often standing room o... See more

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

First Class 0931, Morpeth to Edinburgh, Overall OK, carriage clean, nice touch of water waiting for us on boarding. Tables clean. The offer of snacks was poor, no offer of hot snacks. Could not fault... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I must have been lucky. I joined at Preston after a booked first class journey to Glasgow with Avanti was disrupted. I got a seat, the bog was working, the carriage was in good condition, and catering... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Travel to Leeds on 30/11 but train stopped at York and after approx 35 mins told service cancelled all off train, make your own way to Leeds. Impossible to speak with customer service, claim for refun... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Transpennine express advertise first class travel to include food and drink free on the journey. They should advertise it is not guaranteed. All travelers on my journey had no grinks or food provided... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Train yesterday morning from Darlington to York was absolutely shocking. Every single seat full, and people (including me and my girlfriend) having to stand in the aisle. Couldn't even get to my reser... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The worst train company in Britain. Operating dangerously overcrowded trains where booking a seat is a joke as you can’t get to them for standing people. Their reviews are appalling, if you use this t... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My husband is disabled so we need support when traveling. We had a very good journey from York to Leeds - on time, comfortable and staff were caring. On the way back trains were delayed and some ann... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ridiculous paying for reserved seats for other people to be allowed to sit in them because their train was cancelled and refusedto move. Staff did absolutely nothing. Me and my friend had to find othe... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The staff were great.Friendly and helpful. First class was very comfortable and the food was good.Caught behind a slow train we arrived 20 minutes late. Announcer told us we could claim compensation.... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I CAN CURRENTLY GET TO LONDON (just under 160 miles) FASTER THAN I CAN GET TO LEEDS (just under 40 miles) How does Transpennine Express continue to get away with it? Hugely expensive, slow,... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely terrible, booked return tickets stalybridge to york. Outbound journey great. Return trip ciach frim york to leeds as no trains. Get to leeds train pulls in 5 carriages, very few se... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Due to signal failures at Leeds Station my train from Liverpool to York was abandoned at Leeds & I was forced to make my own way back to York. Despite reassurances when leaving Liverpool that the jour... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Travel a lot with trains and public transport, never again will I use this company pathetic, train was absolutely freezing on a 4 hours journey home asked staff if there was heating to be told that’s... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute garbage. Paid an extra £70 for 1st class tickets from Manchester to York. People were sitting in our seats, no one checking tickets and no refreshment service at all. TPE basically stealing m... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Transpennine is honestly the worst train service I have come across. Out of 6 return tickets bought only 1 of them was not cancelled. I've ended up getting northern trains as replacement. Absolutely n... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Booked 2 tickets on TPE system, 1 with railcard. For the return the TPE computer system gave me 2 with a railcard, which I didn't ask for. But apparently as I didn't check they had made a mistake I th... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Got to be one of the worst train lines. Whether I’m going from Newcastle to Manchester, Newcastle to Edinburgh - there’s always an issue. Mostly cancelled journeys but also often severe delays. Sa... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I travel 1st class now and have always had a good experience. 13.09 Glasgow to Manchester Airport today 23 January 26, experience elevated by Norma, our on board host, she was so friendly and kind an... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I travelled from Manchester Airport to Motherwell and can only praise TPE staff. The young guy at Manchester Airport who managed to find my lost phone was so lovely and doesn’t realise how important t... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Health hazard. Sunday train from Huddersfield to Leeds. Having to stand up and so hot it was absolutely suffocating. This is a fire hazard also. No doubt a virtual assistant will give a reply tomor... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Booked Transpennine Express for a return trip from Glasgow to Liverpool. Train to Liverpool was cancelled due to a train fault. Arrived in Liverpool over an hour late and received a full refund of... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This company are an absolute disgrace and that is putting it lightly. In 2 years of using this mediocre service which I am forced too, not once has a train been on time or completed a journey on time.... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have come to expect constant delays when using Transpennine express these days, but something that really bothers me now, is paying for 1st class tickets and receiving zero benefits !! And standard... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful company who cancel trains without explanation or help in arranging alternative services. Refund process is pathetic and not fit for purpose. Would avoid if your trip is time dependent. Train... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Paid for reserved seats but people were already sat in them and removed the reserved tickets at the top, which apparently meant nothing could be done about it. Turns out this happened to multiple pass... See more

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Easy booking process. Good service frequency from my local station.Train was on time. Carriage was clean and well kept. Onboard staff friendly and helpful. Having read so many previous and negative... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our train was delayed due to a signally problem which I appreciate was outside of Trans Pennine’s control and we missed our connecting train. A lovely young lady called Chelsea who works for Trans... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I traveled on the 20th & the 23rd March in first class on each occasion on both trains were on time, and staffed by friendly professional crew. The trains were clean, and the complimentary food drinks... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Returned from Glasgow to Liverpool on 1st class James was great , he looked after us and made our journey enjoyable he was very attentive and professional ensuring we were well looked after. He is... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I was travelling to Redcar Central. About 30 minutes into the journey, I went to use the disabled toilet but when I went to leave, the door wouldn't unlock. I have severe claustrophobia and was starti... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Online reservations used to be so easy to navigate but not since the website changed. It is so frustrating having to switch from grid to list and trying to ignore that the cheapest journey has already... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

First class food services are ridiculous. Our recent trip saw no hot drinks (morning train) on either leg of the journey. The food in the morning was bearable but the return leg was ridiculous. It was... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We booked Passenger Assist as my husband is disabled, they were brilliant both going to Scarborough from York and vice versa. Stevie at Scarborough station was fantastic, he spoke to the guard and ask... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What can I say about this suboptimal train company. They always cancel last minute to add more stress to your journey. Worst thing yet is to cancel part of the route last minute, after a train that co... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Got traon from preston to Edinburgh on the 17th oct 8.04 train was lucky to see the buffet car once ,when she did come round i adked for abtea she said she had no milk she woild get some and come back... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I booked a first class ticket, as I am in a moonboot with a torn Achilles so can't stand for too long. 1st class was overbook so I had to stand for the duration of my journey as nobody gave up their s... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The journey was very comfortable and the ticket collector was very courteous and the Drinks and Food Trolley was fully stocked. However on the return journey there were no hot drinks available and p... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

On the plus side, I've travelled on Transpennine quite a lot recently; the carriages are really lovely; and the staff have been pleasant. On the minus side, I ordered a ticket through their online sys... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Usually, I find air-conditioning on TPE trains to be adequate, but the 16.26 service from Cleethorpes to Liverpool Lime Street on Tuesday 12 August 2025 was stiflingly hot and, frankly, an ordeal. It... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was apprehensive about travelling Transpennine to Bradford from Newcastle but the journey in first class was excellent. We had a good breakfast, were offered snacks and drinks and the train was clea... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Take your money online and say there's an issue with payments. I am now out of pocket and the narcissistic WhatsApp operative blames me for being unhappy. I have probably lost the advance ticket pric... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I travel from Leeds to Manchester on transpennine express. Staff on station and onboard were rude with zero information about their own trains. They even don't know the timings of trains and reason fo... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I've booked a train to the airport and it was cancelled 3.5 hours before departure, with no explanations. I had to buy a ticket at the last moment for another service and pay twice as much. Their r... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’ve just been robbed, yes that’s right robbed in broad day light by tranpennine express, £48 to go one way from Stockport to Scunthorpe…. 70 miles!!!! I could have driven there and back twice for les... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

If you’d like to be stranded in the middle of a city at night, have zero communication from conductors who lie about what time you’ll arrive, and to be cancelled on more times than that flaky guy of... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Arrived in York last night to find my train was cancelled - an all too frequent experience. As I had an off peak return to Northallerton with only a seat reservation on the 19.42, I'm guessing TPE wi... See more


Company details

  1. Transportation service

Written by the company

Buy train tickets in advance with TransPennine Express & save over 50% online today.


Contact info

2.1

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
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1-star

Replied to 84% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible

Terrible, busy, noisy, couldn’t get my seats, standing squished to the door. Don’t travel on this train.

7 December 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I'm afraid that we have no control over how many customers board our services with anytime or off-peak tickets. If you would like to make a complaint you can do so here -https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DISGUSTING COMPANY

This company is absolutely disgusting and a disgrace to the public I was charged for ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to thornaby because I had to get a much later train service than the one I am booked on so I filed a full complaint and I only got a refund from train line and the price of a coffee was disgusting and it was not even enjoyable so i recommend everyone do not travel with this evil greedy corrupt company

6 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Robert, I'm sorry to hear that. I would recommend getting in touch with our Customer Relations team here -https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Transpennine last minute cancellations

Transpennine Express went through a brief recovery period when they were nationalised but it hasn't lasted. By far the worst train line for last minute cancellations, including a recent incident when passengers had to tell the crew their train had been cancelled. Regularly deciding not to stop at some stations as well, especially Chester-le-Street.

4 December 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Simon, I'm sorry to hear about your experiences. If you would like to register your feedback you can do so here -https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

1st class is worse than most carriers standard trains

Booked 1st class and the standard of the carriage was worse than I’d expect in standard class on any other train.
Filthy and truly horrible.
Avoid.

4 December 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Andrew, I'm sorry to hear this. If you would like to make a complaint to our Customer Relations team you can do so here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worse experience first and last

Ridiculous paying for reserved seats for other people to be allowed to sit in them because their train was cancelled and refusedto move. Staff did absolutely nothing. Me and my friend had to find other seats in different carriages to each other. Can't even get a refund. Will not be travelling with them again and will put my experience on my social media

2 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi James, I'm sorry to hear about your experience, if you would like to make a complaint you can do so here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Improved Transpennine Express

I have recently travelled with Transpennine Express twice within a week and the trains have been on time or a couple of minutes late. As passengers, we were kept informed by the conductors of anything affecting the journey and on the first one, though I wasn't affected, Liverpool to London trains cancelled so passengers were put on our train to Leeds and the conductor kept them informed as much as possible as to what was happening and what time the London train was leaving so they knew they had time to make the change.

21 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the feedback Ann!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

An absolute disgrace

This company are an absolute disgrace and that is putting it lightly. In 2 years of using this mediocre service which I am forced too, not once has a train been on time or completed a journey on time. The delay repay scheme is a scam, I have 25 on going valid claims since Oct 2023 and not 1, yes not 1 has been settled. It’s time for the government to take hold of our rail network again and stop these pirates ruining this into the ground. Transoennine Express you want to hang your head because I would be embarrassed taking a wage from this shambles. I am sick of hearing “we are sorry your journey has been delayed” over the tannoy. Pitiful really pitiful

27 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Michael, I'm very sorry to hear this. It sounds like there could be an issue with your details, I would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team directly and they will look into this for you - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Forever uselsess

If you want your train to leave on time, or not be broken down or cancelled last minute than transpennine express is not for you. 9.9 times out of 10 its late leaving/ arriving and this isn't a "bad day" Ive been using this train for close to a year. I even decided to leave for work an hour earlier to avoid this joke of a company. Avoid at all costs. Walk! It'll probably be quicker 👌

25 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. If you would like to register feedback or make a complaint you can do so here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Money grabbing morons!

My train on the 21st of November was delayed by 1 hour 7 minutes. I did not board the train, or scan my ticket. Your customer service team have been useless. Customer service team informed me I was not entitled to a refund because my ticket had been used - not sure where you've got that information from! I am unable to request a refund due to the booking ID not being recognised by your website, and the delay repay compensation is HALF of the fare. How is it fair that I am only refunded half of the return ticket when I didn't board the train in either direction? Absolute joke!

25 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Greta, you will be able to claim your money back but please speak to the Customer Relations Team here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very poor service

Very poor service. Actually, NO service. Travelled for ove 1.5 hours on first class to Leeds, and not one drink, not even water. What the hel is going on. This is supposed to be first class. I now have go get off the train and run and find somewhere to grab something to eat and drink before my meeting.

24 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi AJ. I'm afraid that catering isn't available on every First Class service, you can find more information here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/first-class

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service

Everyone was helpful in finding our platform and train. Seats were comfortable. I wish there was more suitcase spaces! Our train was delayed 10 minutes which made us miss our bus connection. This was resolved with a taxi ride. We had such a great holiday, we didn’t dwell on this.

17 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the feedback Nicki!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Superb Service

Can’t fault the Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed service. Used fairly regularly on weekday’s and weekends and everything has run smoothly each time. Great clean trains with trolley service and all at a great price!

17 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for sending this in Catriona!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I would not recommend

I would not recommend this train company. Frequent delays that are unexplained, a lot of cancellations and mostly overcrowded. I travel daily with this train company but I am overly either disappointed or dissatisfied

20 November 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that. You can claim delay repay compensation here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/delay-repay-compensation

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great, reliable service

We really appreciate your rail service between Manchester Piccadilly and York via Wakefield, Normanton and Castleford. It is a reliable and comfortable service and avoids the need to travel via Leeds to reach York or Manchester. I know that the journey occasionally picks up delays en-route but that is not important when set against the convenience the service offers.

7 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the great feedback Gary!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disgusted!!!

Have used this company many times. I have advanced tickets that cost £56. Unfortunately due to illness I could not travel.Tried to get a refund but was REFUSED!!! I’m absolutely disgusted. They have a lot more money than me and it didn’t cost them anything when I couldn’t travel so that is just really BAD customer service!!! Will never travel with you again!! And out of common courtesy they could have offered to replace my tickets for another journey!!!

13 November 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi Jeanette. I'm afraid that advance purchase tickets are non-refundable, you can find more information on different ticket types here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/train-tickets/train-tickets-explained

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Had to come back for a rant

Had to come back for a rant, I was in an unfortunate situation, where I was unsure what ticket to purchase, there was no help so I just bought the one the machine drew my attention too. It was the wrong one, despite resolving the situation peacefully on the day but raising some issues later the response I got back was self important and authoritarian.

I made suggestion like a ticket service allowed passengers to correct ticket purchases should there be issues, but computer says no on that one, and heaven forbid that they actually consider such a method. The gist of the response as a dyslexic adult was I had some good point but I should be greatful to the almighty over lord train conductor for not fining me, despite the fact that he wasn`t even going to check my ticket.

So for anyone interested in the nooks and crannies of this so called potential fine (not a fine cause it has to go to court), First of all national rail regulations are only given the force of law via the consenting, this is achieved throw joinder basically the passenger giving up there name and address, by doing so you activate national rail regulations, and they can then attempt to take you to court. It say in the regualtions they REQUEST your details, that doesn`t mean you have to give them to them, and if you don`t what happens nothing.

As a dyslexic adult I will not be pushed around, or punished financially for my disability for , or be scared by there propaganda this type of thing has to stop. So people its upto you but I urge you to reaserch this type of thing for yourself and stop letting these profit orientated companies scaring you, should they attempt anything like this again and my condition is not supported I will have not issues in taking this to court.

27 October 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Hi James, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. If you would like to provide this feedback directly or raise it to our Customer Relations team you can do so here - https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/help/complaints

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time using this service and…

First time using this service and exceeded my expectations! Train was on time, staff onboard were warm and friendly and there were plenty of seats so nobody needed to stand. Also the actual journey seemed smooth and stress free!

12 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for sending this in Deborah!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good journey

Train was slightly late due to severe flooding which was understandable. The carriage was in good condition, very clean. On board staff were pleasant and helpful.

13 November 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the great feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Travelled from Liverpool to Manchester…

Travelled from Liverpool to Manchester Piccadilly, train was spotless and the surprise option of a trolley service, served with a smile. My only criticism would be that the platform staff could be a little more friendly and I informative. Overall very happy with service.

12 November 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the feedback Ann!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Caring service

My husband is disabled so we need support when traveling. We had a very good journey from York to Leeds - on time, comfortable and staff were caring.
On the way back trains were delayed and some announcements were incorrect. Claudia at Leeds was amazing: she managed to look after everyone including those of us who needed extra help. She really cared about giving personal service and looking after all of us.

11 November 2025
Unprompted review
TransPennine Express logo

Reply from TransPennine Express

Thanks for the kind words Dinah!

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