TransPennine Express Launches Extra Train Services for Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, TransPennine Express (TPE) has announced a boost in services to accommodate an expected surge in travel to the Scottish capital. Running from 2 to 29 August, the Fringe—the world’s largest arts festival—draws over 2 million visitors annually, filling the streets of Edinburgh with a vibrant mix of theatre, comedy, dance, and live performance.
To ease travel stress and support the influx of festival-goers, TPE will operate additional train services on weekdays and weekends, ensuring smoother and more flexible journeys into and out of Edinburgh. This enhanced schedule is especially beneficial for those attending late-night shows, as well as travelers returning to cities like Newcastle and Carlisle after performances.
Evening and Late-Night Services for Fringe-Goers
Between Newcastle and Edinburgh, TPE is adding up to three additional services per day, giving passengers more choice and control over their Fringe experience.
- Weekday Evening Service: Departs Newcastle at 8:02 pm, stopping at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston, Dunbar, and East Linton, arriving at Edinburgh Waverley.
- Return Late-Night Service: Leaves Edinburgh Waverley at 11:28 pm, calling at the same stations before arriving back in Newcastle.
For those heading south, there’s a 9:56 pm departure from Edinburgh Waverley to Carlisle, with stops at Haymarket and Lockerbie—ideal for audiences staying outside Edinburgh or in border towns.
Expanded Weekend Options
To support weekend travel demand, Saturday services will see similar expansions:
- A 7:27 pm Newcastle to Edinburgh train, following the same scenic east coast route.
- A 10:02 pm return service from Edinburgh, giving travelers time to enjoy evening shows.
- An additional Saturday service departs Edinburgh Waverley at 7:57 pm for Carlisle, again stopping at Haymarket and Lockerbie.
These additions mean that festival attendees can plan their days around performances rather than timetables—a convenience that hasn’t gone unnoticed by local transport advocates and cultural organizers.
TPE’s Ongoing Commitment to Cultural Tourism
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, expressed his excitement about the expanded services, stating:
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Edinburgh Fringe experience and pleased to offer additional services during the event. We know how vital good transport links are for visitors and locals alike.”
TPE is not only easing pressure on core services but also supporting Edinburgh’s broader tourism economy. According to VisitScotland, tourism-related spending during the Fringe contributes significantly to the local economy, with visitors often exploring beyond the city limits.
Recognizing this impact, TPE has acted on community feedback. The move to add late-night services is in direct response to requests from organizations such as the Rail Action Group East of Scotland.
Tom Thorburn, the group’s Honorary President, noted:
“We’re delighted TPE listened to our call to reinstate late-night trains for August. These services are vital for local communities and tourists alike.”
Planning Ahead: Booking Tickets and Travel Tips
With millions expected to attend this year’s Fringe, planning ahead is key. TPE urges travelers to book tickets early through their official website or mobile app. Advanced ticket bookings not only secure a seat but also offer cheaper fares, especially for peak times.
Festival-goers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys, especially when traveling to central Edinburgh. The city will experience significant pedestrian traffic, extended street closures, and heightened public transport usage throughout August.
In 2024, Edinburgh’s central railway station—Waverley Station—handled record summer footfall. Network Rail has since increased on-site staffing and security, while ScotRail, LNER, and now TPE have adjusted schedules to ensure resilience during peak periods.
A Festival-Friendly Travel Experience
The expanded services by TPE align with Edinburgh’s broader goal of becoming a more accessible and sustainable festival city. In 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council unveiled a transport action plan aimed at improving public mobility during large-scale events. Late-night rail travel is a central component of that strategy.
Additionally, TPE’s newer Nova 1 trains, used on long-distance routes like Newcastle to Edinburgh, offer modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and enhanced seating—ideal for passengers catching up after a day of festivities.
For travelers arriving from other UK regions, connecting services via Leeds, Manchester, or Liverpool offer seamless transfers onto TPE’s east coast route. Combined with special Fringe timetables, visitors can experience more shows and worry less about the journey home.
Conclusion: Edinburgh Fringe Just Got Easier to Reach
As Edinburgh gears up for another unforgettable summer, TransPennine Express is stepping up to support the capital with reliable, extended train services. By aligning its operations with festival hours and responding to public demand, TPE ensures that travelers can soak in every moment of the Fringe—without the stress of rigid travel schedules.
Whether you’re heading for a world premiere play, a laugh-out-loud stand-up act, or an immersive street performance, your journey to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 just got smoother.
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