An ion guide (7a) is disclosed comprising one or more layers of intermediate planar, plate or mesh electrodes (2). A first array of first electrodes (8a-8e) is provided on an upper surface and a second array of second electrodes (9a-9e) is arranged on a lower surface. An ion guiding region is formed within the ion guide (7a). One or more transient DC voltages or potentials are preferably applied to the first and second array of second electrodes (8a-8e, 9a-9e) in order to urge, propel, force or accelerate ions through or along the ion guide (7a).