More trains from Scotland to the airport

A TRAIN operator is bringing in 13 new services between Manchester Airport and Scotland.

TransPennine Express will launch the extra services in during mid December, to celebrate its ten year anniversary of operating direct trains between Manchester Airport and Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The additional trains are being brought in as part of a major timetable change and will include extra early morning and evening services.

It means there will be an average of 34 direct services per day in both directions.

One new addition includes a 9pm weekday service from Manchester to Glasgow plus a late night 10.15pm train from Edinburgh to the airport, aimed at travellers catching early flights the following day.

Four new early morning and evening trains are being introduced on Saturdays along with brand new Sunday services, providing greater options for day trippers or those treating themselves to a weekend away.

There will also be enhanced connectivity for customers travelling between Edinburgh and Lockerbie at night and through to Manchester Airport.

The journey takes just under three and a half hours.

Leo Goodwin, managing director for TransPennine Express said: “On this special anniversary, we are thrilled to be able to bring in new journey opportunities for those travelling between the North West and Scotland.

“These new services will really benefit customers planning a city break in either Edinburgh and Glasgow or for anyone flying abroad from Manchester Airport and will provide more options and greater flexibility.”

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “This is a key part of the Great North Rail Project and will mean more than 30 direct services a day between Manchester and Scotland.

“It demonstrates our commitment to transforming rail services across the region and to put passengers at the heart of everything we do.

Advance fares from Glasgow to Manchester Airport start from £12.90 for a single ticket.