No trains between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria this week as replacement buses run

Rail passengers travelling between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria are facing disruption this week, with no train service operating on the route from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August 2026 because of planned engineering work.

Rail replacement buses are operating between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Passengers can use a direct replacement service or a stopping service calling at Moston, Mills Hill and Castleton. Travellers making the full journey between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria are advised to use the direct replacement bus where possible.

The disruption has prompted concern locally after passengers checking journeys discovered that their usual trains had been replaced. One post in the Rochdale Borough Noticeboard Facebook group said: ‘Just noticed there are no trains from Rochdale to Manchester this week, only replacement buses.’

The closure forms part of planned engineering work affecting services into and out of Manchester Victoria. Other Calder Valley services are operating to revised timetables, so passengers travelling beyond Rochdale should check their individual journey before setting off.

Replacement buses generally take longer than the normal rail journey and passengers should leave additional time, particularly during busy commuting periods. Anyone with onward connections is advised to check the latest timetable before travelling.

The disruption is currently scheduled to continue through Friday 14 August, with passengers advised to check National Rail or their train operator for the latest journey information before setting off.