Connecting Communities by Rail

Our Routes, Stations & Services

Discover the diverse communities we serve – from historic cities and countryside villages to growing towns full of opportunity.

North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership

Our Railway Routes

Railway lines across North Cheshire, Halton and Warrington connect local communities with major city regions such as Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and West Yorkshire. These routes also provide strong links to national and international destinations, making rail an essential part of daily life across the area.

With easy access to Manchester and Liverpool airports, the port of Holyhead and the wider UK rail network, our lines support local journeys as well as longer-distance travel. They also encourage more sustainable travel choices that benefit both people and the environment.

Our Local Stations

Our region is served by a number of stations, each acting as a local gateway for residents, businesses and visitors. Whether you’re heading to work, exploring a heritage site, or visiting friends, these stations keep you connected:

Bache

Capenhurst

Chester

Ellesmere Port

Frodsham

Helsby

Hooton

Ince & Elton

Little Sutton

Overpool

Stanlow & Thornton

Runcorn

Runcorn East

Warrington Bank Quay

Rail Services

Our stations are well served by a variety of passenger services, connecting you to key destinations throughout the region and further afield. 

For live train times, fares, and journey planning, visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk 

To and from Liverpool

  • Merseyrail provides a frequent and highly accessible service from Chester and Ellesmere Port to Liverpool city centre via the Wirral.
  • Transport for Wales runs an hourly service connecting Chester, Helsby and Frodsham with Runcorn, Liverpool South Parkway (for Liverpool John Lennon Airport), and Liverpool Lime Street.

To and from Manchester

To and From Birmingham, London & Scotland

  • Avanti West Coast operates frequent direct services from Warrington Bank Quay and Runcorn stations to London Euston, Birmingham and destinations across Scotland. Chester is also served by direct trains to and from London and Birmingham, providing fast and convenient connections for both business and leisure travel.

To and from North Wales

  • Transport for Wales operates direct and connecting rail services via Chester along the scenic North Wales coast, reaching destinations such as Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Bangor and Holyhead. This route also provides convenient access to Ireland via the Holyhead ferry connection.

Ince & Elton and Stanlow & Thornton

  • Currently, Northern Rail offers a limited service to these stations. Future enhancements are under review as part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s wider transport strategy.

Connecting Travel

Many of our stations are served by regular bus routes, helping you get from your door to the train and back again.

We also support “on demand” travel solutions such as ITravel and other community bus initiatives, offering more flexible options for local journeys.

Parking and Cycle Storage

Looking to drive or cycle to the station? Each station page includes information about available car parking and secure cycle storage, so you can travel with confidence. 

Active Travel Routes

Walking and cycling links to our stations help encourage healthy and sustainable travel.