Northumberland Line Passes Two Million Passenger Journeys

The trains running through Newsham and Blyth Bebside have reached a new milestone. Passengers have now made more than two million journeys on the Northumberland Line, less than two years after passenger services returned to the route in December 2024 for the first time in 60 years.

The figure was announced on 15 October by Northumberland County Council, which says the line's trains have covered more than 711,360 miles since reopening.

What the line offers Blyth

The 18-mile route links Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park with Newcastle, calling at Manors on the way. Northern runs 416 services a week, the full journey takes around 35 minutes, and a single fare costs no more than £3. On Sundays, trains continue through to the Metrocentre.

For Blyth, the two stations at Newsham and Blyth Bebside have given the town a direct rail link into Newcastle for the first time in generations, an alternative to the bus and the car for commuters, students and shoppers alike.

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Single fares on the Northumberland Line are capped at £3, and the full run from Ashington to Newcastle takes around 35 minutes.

Busier trains and more seats

Demand has grown faster than many expected, and peak-time trains can be crowded. According to the council, Northern is running some longer trains at busy times as a short-term fix by borrowing carriages from another route, and is working with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to bring in an extra train from another operator. The Mayor has agreed to fund additional carriages at peak times.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said the line "has revolutionised not just travel in the area", adding that he and the Mayor are pressing for more seats on trains as soon as possible.

Looking further north

The council is also working on plans to extend the line beyond Ashington to Woodhorn and Newbiggin. For now, the priority for regular travellers from Blyth is simply more space on the trains they already use.

New to the area? Our moving to Blyth guide covers life in the town, and if you are driving in, see where to park in Blyth.

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