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LNER

LNER runs East Coast Main Line trains from London King's Cross to Yorkshire, the North East, Edinburgh and Inverness.

Country
United Kingdom
Official website
Official website
Train tickets
1

LNER runs the East Coast Main Line, the route connecting London with Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland. It is the direct operator for most long-distance journeys on this corridor: London King's Cross north to Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh Waverley, and on to Aberdeen and Inverness.

Where LNER runs

The East Coast Main Line covers 936 miles from London to Aberdeen and Inverness, calling at major stations including Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh Waverley. Popular corridors include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, London to Newcastle and London to York. Newcastle to Edinburgh is also a common standalone leg. LNER's Azuma trains, which replaced the operator's older rolling stock, run at up to 125 mph and form the backbone of the timetable.

Booking a ticket

Buy your ticket before boarding. LNER, like most UK operators, has largely replaced return fares with single tickets, so a return trip usually means booking two separate singles rather than one return. Four ticket types cover most journeys. Advance singles are tied to one specific train and are the cheapest option once your plans are fixed. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak singles work on any train outside the busiest hours, which suits travellers who are not sure exactly when they will go. A newer 70min Flex ticket allows travel up to 70 minutes earlier or later than the booked train, but it is only sold on selected routes. Anytime singles cost more and let you board any train on the day.

Single tickets usually come with an automatic seat reservation, though it is worth checking before you travel, especially at busy times. Off-Peak and Anytime tickets can be changed for free up to five minutes before departure through the LNER app or website. Without online access, any valid ticket still lets you board and find an available seat.

Contactless and Oyster pay as you go do not work on LNER services. You need a ticket bought in advance or at the station, not a tap-in card. That catches out travellers used to London's transport network.

Railcards and discounts

Railcards cut most fares by around a third. Most one-year cards cost £35, or £20 for the Disabled Persons Railcard, and several offer a three-year option for £80. Eligibility rules vary by card: the Senior Railcard covers travellers aged 60 and over, the 16-25 Railcard covers younger adults and mature students, and the Two Together Railcard gives two adults travelling together 30% off. Carry the card, digital or physical, alongside your ticket, since the discounted fare is not valid without it.

Taking a bike

LNER carries bikes free of charge, but a bike space must be reserved in advance on every service. Spaces are limited and are not guaranteed if you turn up without a reservation. Standard bikes can weigh up to 25kg and must fit within set length and handlebar-width limits; anything larger cannot travel. Folding bikes, such as Brompton-style models, are the exception. They travel in the luggage area without a reservation as long as they stay folded for the whole journey. Electric bikes under 25kg are allowed but cannot be charged on board, and e-scooters are not permitted on LNER trains at all.

Where to book

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Frequently asked questions

Where does LNER run?

LNER operates the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Yorkshire, the North East, Edinburgh Waverley, Aberdeen and Inverness, calling at stations including Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Leeds and Newcastle.

Can I use contactless or Oyster on LNER trains?

No. Pay as you go with contactless or Oyster is not valid on any LNER service, so buy a ticket before you board, either online, through the app, or at the station.

Do I need to book a space for my bike?

Yes, for a standard bike. Reservations are compulsory and spaces are limited, so book alongside your ticket. Folding bikes stored fully folded in the luggage area do not need a reservation.

Do Railcards work on LNER tickets?

Yes. Railcards are a national discount scheme, not an LNER product, and they cut about a third off most Standard and First Class fares on LNER services when you carry the card alongside your ticket.

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