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225 on the Toon: Much-loved LNER trains back in the North East

31/03/2026

225 on the Toon: Much-loved LNER trains back in the North East

After a more than five-year hiatus, rail customers in the North East have been reunited with a familiar sight as LNER reintroduces a daily passenger service operated by an InterCity 225 train.

These much-loved trains have been a staple across the East Coast Main Line since they were brought into service in the 1990s. However, as LNER introduced its new, modern fleet of Azuma trains, the 225s’ long reign in the North East ended in September 2020, with the trains now predominantly operating on West Yorkshire services.

Now, as LNER continues to deliver 10,000 extra services every year following the introduction of its transformational December 2025 timetable, the 225s are back.

LNER Class 91 91114 'Durham Cathedral' sat in the platform at Newcastle station. It has its red lights on.

From yesterday, (Monday 30 March 2026), an InterCity 225 set will operate the 14:33 departure (weekdays only) from London King’s Cross to Newcastle, before departing Newcastle at 18:27 and returning to the capital.

At weekends, an InterCity 225 train will also operate the 12:33 from London King’s Cross to Newcastle and the 16:27 from Newcastle to London King’s Cross.

As part of the major timetable change, alongside the planned reintroduction of the 225 to Newcastle, five additional weekday services commenced today, including a new return London King’s Cross to Harrogate service, and extra early morning and late-night trains. New services are also being introduced on weekends*.

Shot from platform level of LNER InterCity 225 set preparing to leave Newcastle. The image shows DVT 82222 alongside a 'Newcastle' platform sign. The image is taken from the adjacent platform.

Tickets for LNER services are on sale for travel dates up to Friday 18 September 2026, helping customers to plan their journeys in good time, at www.lner.co.uk.

Notes to editors

*Full details of service reintroductions:

The 14:33 departure will now be operated by an InterCity 225 and will call as follows:

Stevenage (14:55), Grantham (15:39), York (16:29), Northallerton (16:49), Darlington (17:03), Durham (17:20), Newcastle (17:36 arr)

New weekday services included:

  • 05:40 London King’s Cross to Leeds

  • 05:30 Doncaster to London King’s Cross

  • 14:40 London King’s Cross to Harrogate

  • 18:33 Harrogate to London King’s Cross

  • 21:33 London King’s Cross to Doncaster

  • 19:25 Edinburgh to London King’s Cross (previously terminated at Doncaster)

New Saturday services included:

  • 05:30 Doncaster to London King’s Cross

  • 05:40 London King’s Cross to Leeds

  • 12:40 London King’s Cross to Harrogate

  • 16.33 Harrogate to London King’s Cross

New Sunday services included:

  • 12:36 London King’s Cross to Harrogate

  • 16:35 Harrogate to London King’s Cross