Passengers can travel on stunning Settle to Carlisle line for £1.50 in anniversary year as Northern launches flash sale

Northern is selling 15,000 discounted tickets in a flash sale to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Settle to Carlisle line opening to passengers.

The £1.50 tickets are valid for single journeys between Leeds, Settle and Carlisle, allowing passengers to enjoy a journey along the historic railway.

They can use them to travel between May 22 and July 17, but must book at least seven days in advance.

The tickets can be bought online, at station ticket offices and ticket vending machines. 

The route is hugely popular with tourists and hikers as it features stunning views of the Pennine hills, Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria's Eden Valley, and runs over the iconic 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

Earlier this year, it was named as one of the top 10 most scenic train trips in Europe by Lonely Planet. 

It comes after Northern recorded 995,000 passenger journeys on the line linking Leeds, Settle and Carlisle in 2025 – the highest annual total since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Demand is expected to rise again this year, as a series of events will be held to mark the 150^th anniversary.

A train named Settle & Carlisle 150 was unveiled by Northern during a ceremony at Leeds station earlier today and it will be seen by thousands of passengers over the coming months. 

The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, which works to promote the line, has also planned a year of celebrations and will be running a chartered steam train between Carlisle and York on Monday, 25 May.

Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, said: “The Settle to Carlisle Railway is famous around the world for its spectacular scenery and community engagement.

"We want as many people as possible to share in the experience of this wonderful line, which is why we’re offering everyone the chance to travel for just £1.50 during the 150^th anniversary year.

“They can enjoy a journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes before they get off to explore the breathtaking countryside and delightful towns and villages along the way.

“Tickets are going fast so we’re encouraging customers to book now to avoid missing out.”

Pete Myers, chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “As well as providing a connection between communities, the Settle to Carlisle line is a route many people take for the pure pleasure of travelling through the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley. 

“We are delighted that even more people will be able to experience this journey thanks to Northern's £1.50 tickets.

“For the communities along the line, this is a great opportunity to showcase the region, and what it has to offer for visitors in a sustainable way.”

The Settle to Carlisle section of the line was completed in 1875, following a complex construction project involving 6,000 workers. It covers 72 miles and there are 14 tunnels and more than 20 viaducts.

Freight trains ran on the line for a year before passenger services were introduced on May 1 in 1876. 

British Rail announced plans to close the line to passengers in 1983, amid concerns about the cost of repairing the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Minister of State for Transport Michael Portillo agreed to intervene and save the line, after campaigns run by activists from Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line and Campaign for Better Transport were backed by a swell of public support.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.