How long buses will replace trains for on CrossCountry route between Leeds and Newcastle as upgrades continue
Buses are set to replace trains between Leeds and Newcastle.
Passengers are reminded that journeys will be affected this weekend (October 11 and 12) as another step forward is made in Darlington station’s £140 million transformation.
With the power supply upgrade completed, this weekend will see the testing of the new signalling system. This is an important step in bringing into use the station’s two new platforms, which will allow Network Rail to better control the flow of trains – helping to reduce delays and increase capacity for more services in the future.
As a result, the following services will face disruption this weekend.
- CrossCountry: No service between Leeds/York and Newcastle. Replacement buses will run between Leeds and Newcastle via Darlington and Durham.
- LNER: To keep passengers on trains, LNER will operate one train per hour between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh via Newcastle using a diversionary route. Other LNER trains will run between London King’s Cross and York, and between Newcastle and Edinburgh/Aberdeen. For customers travelling to/from Durham and Darlington, replacement coaches will run between York and Newcastle.
- Lumo: A reduced service will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh only.
- TransPennine Express: No trains between York and Newcastle. Trains towards Liverpool Lime Street will be diverted to start and terminate at York. A rail replacement bus service will be in operation between York and Newcastle.
- Northern: Services will run between Saltburn/Whitby/Middlesbrough and Eaglescliffe, and between Newcastle and Carlisle. Buses will be provided between Eaglescliffe-Bishop Auckland and Darlington-Newcastle via Chester-le-Street.
The Darlington station upgrade, set to be completed in spring 2026, is being delivered by Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Council and the Department for Transport.
The project also includes a new concourse building and footbridge, creating an integrated transport hub to strengthen regional and national connectivity.