Sandbach is set to get an improved train service to Manchester Airport, as part of a major expansion of London Northwestern Railway's services.

The new Birmingham New Street to Manchester Airport service is due to launch in May 2027, with the existing Crewe–Stoke–Stafford service extended in two stages.

From December 2026, the service will run between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, calling at stations including Stafford, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, Longport, Kidsgrove and Alsager.

The new service will call at Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow and Styal before reaching Manchester Airport.For passengers travelling from Crewe, London Northwestern Railway says the changes will provide later evening trains to the airport, with the last services expected to run at around 10pm compared with around 8pm currently.

It will then be extended beyond Crewe to Manchester Airport from May 2027.

There will also be an increased Sunday frequency, with trains running hourly between Crewe and Manchester Airport rather than once every two hours.

The operator says the new service will also provide additional connections between the West Midlands, Cheshire and Manchester Airport, with passengers able to travel directly rather than changing trains.

The service is being introduced in two phases to support the development of the timetable and operational arrangements.

London Northwestern Railway said final timetables for the December changes are expected to appear in journey planners in late September, while the May 2027 timetable is expected to be available from February.

Tickets are expected to go on sale around 12 weeks before travel.

The announcement comes as the operator develops its network following the transfer of West Midlands Trains into public ownership earlier this year.

London Northwestern Railway says the new Manchester Airport service will provide an alternative to travelling by car and improve rail connectivity between Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the Midlands.

It is continuing to work with Network Rail and other train operators ahead of the launch.

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The next draw takes place on Thursday 24 September. Buy a ticket for just £2.