Last checked: Saturday 24 October 2026. Storm Boelo has prompted significant changes to train services serving Carlisle, northern Cumbria and Scotland on Sunday 25 October. The clearest confirmed change is that TransPennine Express will run no trains north of Carlisle towards Edinburgh or Glasgow on Sunday. Avanti West Coast is also operating a reduced timetable north of Preston, with passengers advised to avoid that stretch of the West Coast Main Line if possible.
People changing at Carlisle for a holiday, connecting with a local train or heading home from the Lake District need to distinguish between different train companies: the suspension of TransPennine Express trains north of Carlisle is not a statement that all trains from Carlisle are cancelled. Check your exact operator, station and journey before travelling.
What is happening on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October?
| Date | Operator | Confirmed arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 24 October | TransPennine Express | No pre-planned timetable reductions in its notice; speed restrictions apply in Scotland and short-notice changes remain possible. |
| Sunday 25 October | TransPennine Express | No TransPennine Express service between Carlisle and Edinburgh or Glasgow Central. |
| Sunday 25 October | TransPennine Express | Manchester Airport services operate only as far as Carlisle; Liverpool Lime Street–Glasgow Central services are cancelled. |
| Sunday 25 October | Avanti West Coast | Reduced timetable north of Preston, with fewer trains, speed restrictions and longer journeys. Avoid travel if possible. |
TransPennine Express says no rail-replacement transport will be provided for the weather-related Sunday alterations it has announced. Other operators may face their own restrictions or cancellations. Journey planners can take time to reflect late changes, so check again close to departure.
Can I travel from Carlisle to Glasgow or Edinburgh on Sunday?
Not on TransPennine Express: that operator's Sunday services north of Carlisle are cancelled. Its notice does refer to limited Avanti West Coast services and states that affected TransPennine Express tickets can be accepted on those services under specified arrangements. This is not a guarantee that there will be a suitable departure for your individual journey. Seats may be busy, journeys may be delayed or cancelled at short notice, and some connections may be impossible.
Which Lake District stations could be affected?
The wider West Coast Main Line disruption matters for rail arrivals at Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith North Lakes and Carlisle. Oxenholme is an interchange for the Windermere branch, while Penrith is an important gateway for Ullswater, Pooley Bridge and Keswick. Carlisle provides onward access to north and west Cumbria. We have not independently verified changes to every connecting local train or bus: use the relevant operator's live information.
If you are travelling to Keswick, Windermere or Carlisle for a booked stay, contact your accommodation before making expensive changes to your booking.
Can I use my Sunday 25 October ticket on another day?
TransPennine Express: the official notice says tickets dated Sunday 25 October can be used on a TransPennine Express service on Saturday 24, Monday 26 or Tuesday 27 October at no extra cost. It also describes limited acceptance on Avanti West Coast services between Preston, Carlisle and Edinburgh/Glasgow on Sunday, subject to what is actually running.
Avanti West Coast: tickets dated Sunday 25 October for journeys north of Preston can be used without extra charge on Saturday 24, Monday 26 or Tuesday 27 October. The concession applies to the operator's stated routes and ticket conditions; it should not be treated as a blanket extension for every ticket in Britain.
If you cannot travel or choose not to go because your train is cancelled, the operator says you can seek a refund from the retailer you bought the ticket from. Always check the specific operator's current disruption notice and any booking restrictions before boarding a different operator's train.
What if my train is delayed, rather than cancelled?
Delay compensation is separate from cancelled-service refunds. Keep the relevant ticket or booking confirmation and records of the actual journey. Eligibility for compensation depends on the journey, train operator and its published policy. If your train is cancelled and you do not travel, contact the original ticket retailer for the appropriate refund route.
Will replacement buses be provided?
Do not assume so. The TransPennine Express storm notice expressly says no rail replacement transport will operate for its planned Sunday service alterations. Even where an unrelated bus or coach service runs, capacity and journey times may not be comparable to rail. Check road weather conditions as well as departure times before arranging your own alternative.
Practical checklist for people travelling to Cumbria
- Find your exact train operator and the stations shown on your ticket.
- Check the National Rail journey planner and the operator's service status immediately before departure.
- Read the ticket-validity date rules for your particular operator and route.
- Check onward buses, taxis or pick-ups; don't assume missed connections will be protected.
- Contact accommodation or activity providers if the storm means you may arrive later or need to change dates.
- Recheck conditions on Monday 26 October rather than assuming Sunday's disruption has ended everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Are trains running from Carlisle to Glasgow on Sunday 25 October?
TransPennine Express is running no service north of Carlisle on Sunday. Limited trains from other operators may run, but you must check the live timetable.
Is Carlisle station closed?
The official notices cited here do not announce a blanket closure of Carlisle station. They describe service changes by operator and route.
Can I use a 25 October ticket on Monday?
Eligible TransPennine Express and Avanti tickets under the operators' storm arrangements can be used on Monday 26 October. Check your exact ticket and service conditions.
Will I get a refund if my booked train is cancelled?
The train companies provide a refund route for cancelled journeys. Apply through the original ticket retailer and retain your booking details.
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