News
Blackburn to Clitheroe Sunday trains to return from 13 December
Sunday train services between Blackburn and Clitheroe are set to return on 13 December 2026, restoring a much-needed weekend rail connection following an agreement between Northern and the RMT union.
The announcement follows a long-running industrial dispute which has affected Sunday rail services across the North of England.
Northern has confirmed that services between Blackburn and Clitheroe will be among the first to benefit from a phased programme of reinstatements, with further improvements planned across the region over the coming months.
The return of the route will provide more opportunities for residents to travel between Blackburn, the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas on Sundays, whether for work, shopping, leisure or visiting friends and family.
Sunday services returning in December
Northern has confirmed that Sunday trains between Blackburn and Clitheroe will resume from Sunday 13 December 2026, as part of the national winter timetable change.
The agreement between Northern, its conductors and the RMT union brings a long-running dispute to an end and is intended to provide a more reliable seven-day railway.
Across the North West, Northern expects to reinstate between 60 and 80 additional Sunday services over the coming weeks, with approximately 230 services across the wider network expected to return by May 2027.
The changes will be introduced gradually, with priority given to routes that have experienced prolonged disruption and connections serving popular destinations and events.
A welcome boost for local transport
The restoration of Sunday services between Blackburn and Clitheroe will benefit residents, local businesses and visitors, improving access to town centres, attractions and surrounding communities without relying on a car.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority’s Transport Advisory Board, has welcomed the announcement.
He said:
“This is something I’ve been banging the drum about for a long time, so seeing Sunday services return between Blackburn and Clitheroe is really welcome news.
“Residents should be able to rely on public transport throughout the week and this agreement is an important step towards building a stronger and more dependable seven-day railway across the North.
“These services connect people to jobs, education, family and friends, as well as supporting local businesses, visitor attractions and town centres.
“It’s particularly encouraging that Blackburn and Clitheroe has been included in the first phase of service reinstatements, restoring a link that communities have missed for some time.
“Alongside improvements we’re seeing to local bus services, this is another positive step forward for public transport in our area.
“There is still more to do and I’ll continue making the case for better connections for Blackburn with Darwen and the wider area. But this is welcome progress and a change that residents will notice and benefit from.”
Improvements to bus services across Blackburn with Darwen
The rail announcement follows other public transport improvements across Blackburn with Darwen.
Support from the Lancashire Combined County Authority and Blackburn with Darwen Council has helped provide additional peak-time bus journeys for people travelling to work, school and college.
Further changes have also been developed for local routes, including earlier morning and later evening services, improved weekend connections and new or enhanced routes serving communities such as Belmont, Edgworth and Hoddlesden.
Improvements are also intended to strengthen connections with Rossendale and Greater Manchester.
Check the new Sunday train timetable
Passengers planning Sunday journeys between Blackburn and Clitheroe from 13 December are advised to check the latest timetable and journey information before travelling.
Full service details and updates are available from Northern:
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/amended-sunday-timetables
Train times and tickets can also be checked at: