LNER is welcoming in 2025 as it joins the rail industry in marking 200 years of the modern railway and a once-in-a-generation timetable uplift that will bring more services and faster journeys.
Special events designed to celebrate and inspire customers, communities, and the next generation are planned throughout the year.
LNER will be building up to the December 2025 timetable launch which will see an extra 37 LNER services each weekday, as well as an increase over weekends, providing six million more seats every year. LNER services will also increase from two trains to three trains per hour between Newcastle and London King’s Cross. The new timetable unlocks faster journey times between Edinburgh and London King’s Cross as LNER continues to improve its competitiveness with the airlines for journeys between the two capitals.
As the rail industry joins the wider Railway 200 celebrations, LNER will be supporting S&DR200, a remarkable nine-month international festival taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley throughout 2025. The festival celebrates the 200th anniversary of the first groundbreaking journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), a landmark moment in history that paved the way for modern rail transport.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “We have an exciting year ahead - from celebrations marking two hundred years of the modern railway, to launching our additional direct services between Bradford, the UK City of Culture in 2025, and London. We look forward to supporting these celebrations, and to welcoming even more customers as our new, transformational timetable is introduced in December 2025.”
Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, said: “The first journey on the Stockton & Darlington Railway, in 1825, represents the birth of modern railways.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with LNER to bring to life an amazing collection of events to mark these past 200 years of rail travel.”
The S&DR Bicentenary Festival shines a light on past achievements and looks to the future of rail and its importance in the climate story.”
LNER is also partnering with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. From May 2025, LNER weekday and Saturday services will increase from two to seven between Bradford Forster Square and London King’s Cross. Sunday services will also double from one to two in each direction, with further future enhancements planned.
Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “As we get ready to launch Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, we're delighted to be working with LNER to make it easier than ever for tourists, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country experience the wonders of this district through these new direct train routes. Our partnership will open doors for Bradford to showcase its incredible culture, landscapes, and talent to the world. Together, we’re setting the stage for a year of unforgettable experiences, inspiring the next generation and connecting communities in ways never seen before."
Photo credit: LNER
