The service, operated by Northern Trains, is approximately hourly and runs between Rochdale/Manchester and Clitheroe, trains typically formed of two, three, or four coaches of Class 150, 156 or 158 Multiple Units.

​

New trains for the Ribble Valley services are planned for 2030 : 3 car multi-mode units with hybrid power technology, being able to run on clean diesel engines and/or batteries.

​

There is also the Saturdays only Yorkshire Dales Explorer service north of Clitheroe, to and from Ribblehead. In addition to the attractions of the Yorkshire Dales, there are good connections with the Leeds to Carlisle service for those wanting to travel along Mallerstang to Kirkby Stephen as well as to the Eden Valley, Appleby and Carlisle.