The Stockport–Stalybridge line is a short railway line in Greater Manchester, running from north east to Stalybridge. The line is today mostly used by freight and empty stock workings. Although it once received a frequent passenger service, since 1992 it has been served by a single train run by Northern, once a week in one direction, usually operated by a Class 142 Pacer.

This minimal service, termed a parliamentary train for historical reasons, is often seen in the case of this line as to avoid the official procedures involved in terminating the passenger service. In this case, the re-routeing of Trans-Pennine express services from Leeds and points east to Manchester Piccadilly station from Manchester Victoria in May 1989 removed the main reason for its passenger service. Following the changeover, passengers who formerly used the Stalybridge–Stockport shuttle to avoid the need to change stations in Manchester (if heading from Yorkshire to Stockport and beyond or vice versa) could travel via Manchester Piccadilly and change there instead. The service was initially reduced to five trains per day (three in one direction and two the other), but by 1992 had been cut to its present minimal level. The northern part of the route (from Guide Bridge to Stalybridge) is now busier than ever, as it is used by the re-routed express services between Leeds & Manchester Piccadilly.

The scarcity of services on the line has led to it becoming popular with rail enthusiasts, as well as real ale connoisseurs visiting the Station Buffet at Stalybridge.

The line serves the following places:

This service operates on a Friday morning, leaving Stockport at 09:22 and arriving at Stalybridge at 09:42 (with the train reporting number 2J45).

The southern stretch of the line between Stockport and Guide Bridge was built by the Manchester and Birmingham Railway, at around the time of its merger into the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). The contract was let to John Brogden and Sons in October 1845.

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