What is LNER?
LNER is one of the major rail operators in the UK, operating trains on the East Coast mainline. Taking over from Virgin Trains East Coast in 2018, LNER now provides services from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Recently, LNER introduced a fleet of state-of-the-art Azuma trains on their major routes, which use technology from the Japanese bullet train to travel faster, quieter and more reliably than ever before. Sounds good, right?
To find LNER tickets, simply start a search above, and we'll show you the best available journey times and prices. Want to know more about one of the UK's biggest train companies? Keep reading.
Find what you need
Where can I travel by train with LNER?
Not sure where to start your adventure? Use our LNER route map to plan out where you want to go.
Cross-border travel
London North Eastern Railway takes you further. From the North East and Yorkshire to the East Coast and the far reaches of Scotland, LNER makes travelling to either side of the border smooth and hassle-free.
Capital to capital
With LNER, you can travel between the English and Scottish capitals quickly and conveniently. Also, once you’ve stepped off the train, you’ll find yourself in the bustling centre of the city. Heading to Edinburgh? Make sure you grab a seat on the right-hand side for some stunning views while passing through Durham and Newcastle before a leisurely roll along the seaside.
Most popular routes
LNER destinations: where can they take you?
With LNER, there are lots of amazing places you can visit by train. To find some inspiration on where to go, check out these highlights below.
London
Find out more about trains to London.
Edinburgh
Find out more about trains to Edinburgh.
Newcastle
Find out more about trains to Newcastle.
York
Find out more about trains to York.
Glasgow
Find out more about trains to Glasgow.
Leeds
Find out more about trains to Leeds.
Inverness
Find out more about trains to Inverness.
Peterborough
Find out more about trains to Peterborough.
Aberdeen
Find out more about trains to Aberdeen.
Which LNER routes are the most popular?
If you want to explore the UK with LNER, you can easily reach major towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular LNER train journeys in the UK:
Where should I travel by train with LNER?
If you’re planning a trip with LNER, but are unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in and around the UK:
What classes are available on LNER trains?
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.
- 7cm of legroom
- Luggage space
- Plug sockets at every seat
- Window blinds
- Seat reservations
- Comfortable seating
- Free WiFi
- Café bar
- Table at every seat
First Class
- Wider reclining seats
- Generous legroom
- Larger tables
- LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Plug sockets and USB charging points
- Dog-friendly
- Access to First Class lounges
What are LNER’s Simpler Fares?
We know how complicated some train ticket types can be in the UK. That’s why from 16th January 2024, LNER are running a two-year Simpler Fares pilot for travel from 5th February 2024, to make your journey easier than ever.
What’s changing?
The pilot includes the removal of Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares and the introduction of a new 70min Flex ticket. So, there will only be three ticket types to choose from:
Advance (non-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid for a specific time and date that you book in advance. Find out more about Advance train tickets.
70min Flex (semi-flexible)
This new ticket type is valid for a single journey and allows you to travel on any LNER service that departs up to 70 minutes before or after your original booked train. Like Advance tickets, you’ll have a seat reservation on your original booked train, but can simply board another valid train and find an available seat with your 70min Flex ticket.
Anytime (fully-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid on any service within the booked date validity. Find out more about Anytime train tickets.
Which routes is the Simpler Fares pilot running on?
As part of the pilot, you’ll only be able to buy 70min Flex tickets for LNER journeys on the following routes:
- London Kings Cross to Newcastle
- Newcastle to London Kings Cross
- London Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed
- Berwick-upon-Tweed to London Kings Cross
- London Kings Cross to Edinburgh
- Edinburgh to London Kings Cross
Where can I find the 70min Flex ticket on Trainline?
Search for times and tickets as you usually would. Once you pick the time you’d like to travel, you’ll be able to find the new 70min Flex ticket in the ‘Compare all ticket types’ section on our website, and ‘First Class and more’ section on our app.
What are the different types of LNER tickets?
Buying train tickets in the UK can be a little confusing at times. That's why we’re stepping in to help sort out the Advance from the Anytime and more.
Advance train tickets
Anytime train tickets
Flexi Season tickets
Off-Peak train tickets
First Class train tickets
Return train tickets
Season Tickets
Cheap train tickets
GroupSave train tickets
Last-minute train tickets
How can I buy cheap LNER train tickets?
Look, we’re not saying that finding great-value train tickets is the answer to all of life’s problems, but it can't hurt, right?
How can I buy LNER train tickets?
Buying LNER tickets in the UK is simple with the Trainline app!
Follow these simple steps to save money on your train tickets:
- Search online in our Journey Planner or download our app.
- Add your departure and arrival station.
- Choose your date – most Advance tickets go on sale 12 weeks before the date of departure, so the earlier you book the cheaper your tickets could be.
- Don’t forget to add your Railcard, if you have one, to get an even bigger discount. Alternatively, if you're travelling in a group of three to nine adults, you could use GroupSave for a discount of up to 34% on participating services.
- Book!
What are LNER Season Tickets?
If you make the same journey two or more times a week on an LNER route, you may be better off getting a Season Ticket. Sound interesting? Find out more below!
Season Tickets allow you to travel at any time of day, and as much as you want for a specified period between two stations.
You can choose how long they last and make as many back-and-forth trips within that period as you please.
That’s not all – Digital Season Tickets live in the Trainline app on your phone, so you don’t need to queue at the station to collect a paper ticket or worry about losing it.
If you’re regularly travelling to work by train, buying a Season Ticket often works out cheaper than daily single or return tickets.
Season Tickets are all about flexibility. Travel between your home and destination station as many times as you like in one day - every single day if you want to.
LNER stations
Discover more about the main terminals around the country that link the LNER network together.
What services are available on LNER trains?
Keep reading to find out more about the services available on LNER trains.
Luggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Pets
Passenger Assist
Can I take my bike on LNER trains?
Yes, you can take your bike on the train, and more importantly, you should take your bike on the train!
Planning a day out on your bike? Or cycling as part of your commute to work? You’re in luck. Taking bikes on trains in the UK is completely free.
You’ll need to make a reservation to take your full-sized bike onboard LNER trains. If you’re taking a fold-up bike on board there’s no need for a reservation, but you must be able to carry the bike onto the train and fit it in the luggage rack.
On LNER trains, there is space for your bike in different parts of the train. Bike storage is mostly located in the centre of the train and your reservation will let you know which coach you need to use.
If your bike has tyres measuring over 7.4cm or rims deeper than 50mm, you will need to remove the front wheel for storage, and you will need to book two reservations. Tandems up to 2.5m in length with both wheels removed can also be stored onboard and require two reservations. Folding bikes can be stored in the luggage areas.
Find out more about taking bikes on trains in the UK.
LNER reviews
Want to read some first-hand reviews of LNER services? Check out some reviews below!
An enjoyable journey from London to Edinburgh by train
I recently took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, travelling in First Class. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
During the journey, I enjoyed gazing out of the window at the British landscape. In particular, the views from the right-hand side of the train after we left Newcastle were stunning. The train was so close to the coast, and I had a lovely Scottish woman next to me pointing things out.
I even saw the Flying Scotsman just after we stopped at York station, when I looked out of the left-hand side window.
I was able to sit back and relax in one of the train's comfy seats. I was pleased that the train was air-conditioned, and there were toilet facilities on board too.
In addition, the catering on board offered a good range of food and drinks, and the staff were all very helpful. I also liked that I could charge my devices on the go thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.
I was impressed with how quick the journey was – I was able to travel from England’s capital to Scotland’s capital in under five hours!
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the train’s WiFi availability. The connection was pretty poor on my outbound journey, though it was much better when I took the trip back from Edinburgh to London.
That said, my train trip from London to Edinburgh was pretty good overall. I was happy with all the facilities that LNER offered on board, and the train itself was clean and comfortable.
About Matt
Matt, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.
Which other train companies operate in the UK?
Including LNER, 28 train companies operate on the National Rail network in total, including:
Can I cancel or refund my LNER train ticket?
Keep reading for useful information on how to cancel or refund your LNER ticket.
Which tickets can I refund?
Will I be charged for refunding my ticket?
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled or delayed?
How do I refund my train tickets?
How long does it take to get a refund?
Frequently asked questions about LNER
Travelling with LNER? Find out everything you need to know before your journey.
What is LNER?
Who owns LNER?
What does LNER stand for?
How much waste does LNER send to landfill?
How do I buy LNER tickets?
Do LNER trains have WiFi?
When are LNER’s Peak hours?
Can I take a bicycle on LNER services?
How fast do LNER trains go?
Which LNER trains are Azuma?
Can I bring a pet on LNER trains?
How much luggage can I bring on LNER trains?
Find out more about UK train travel
Want to learn more about the UK rail network? Click on one of our UK train travel guides – we’ll provide you with all the information you need about UK train and ticket types, deals and discounts, popular destinations, and more.