All train services were halted around Stockport rail station in Greater Manchester as bomb disposal experts investigated a suspicious package – which turned out to be an empty suitcase.
The item was reported shortly after 18:00 GMT on a bridge along Greek Street close to the station, police said.
Disruption was expected until 22:00 and was affecting services including those from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester, Crewe, Hazel Grove, Buxton and Stoke-on-Trent, Northern said.
Shortly after 21:00, Greater Manchester Police said the item had been “examined and found to be an empty suitcase”.