LNER will operate special trains away from its usual route to support passengers during planned engineering works at the end of August.
On Sunday 30 August 2026, further work to deliver the East Coast Digital Programme, which will bring digital in-cab signalling to part of the network, means that no LNER trains can operate between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.
Now, for the first time, to help you stay on trains for journeys to and from London, without having to use a bus, LNER will divert two return services from Newcastle to Bedford. These will serve Darlington, Northallerton, York, and Doncaster.
From Bedford, you can transfer easily onto frequent Thameslink services to London St Pancras International.
These trains are in addition to other existing LNER services planned to operate on the day.
This is something that Hull Trains at Howden and Selby already do from time to time but their trains carry on all the way to London St Pancras.
Colette Casey, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: “Large-scale engineering work is vital for keeping the rail network running safely and reliably. However, we appreciate the impact it may have on our customers and their plans.
“We hope that by running these special services, diverting away from the line closure, customers can still enjoy days out, family and sporting events, and much more.
“These services are different for us and our customers and journeys will take longer. We will have extra colleagues on hand to provide help and support as required and we would like to thank our customers, in advance, for their patience and understanding.”
The two services are part of a trial and, if successful, it is hoped that further diverted trains may operate during future line closures.
At other points throughout the day, LNER services will operate on its usual route, starting and terminating at Peterborough. Rail replacement bus services will link customers to Bedford for onward connections.
Further information can be found here: https://www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/changes-to-train-times/
Southbound departure times:
Newcastle 08:26, Durham 08.39, Darlington 08:58, Northallerton 09:09, York 09:30, Doncaster 09:56, Bedford 12:17 (arrival)
Newcastle 12:27, Durham 12:40, Darlington 12:59, Northallerton 13:10, York 13:31, Doncaster 13:57, Bedford 16:14 (arrival)
Northbound arrival times:
Bedford 12:49 (departure), Doncaster 15:16, York 15:47, Northallerton 16:08, Darlington 16:23, Durham 16:41, Newcastle 16:55
Bedford 16:57 (departure), Doncaster 19:27, York 19:55, Northallerton 20:16, Darlington 20:28, Durham 20:46, Newcastle 21:04
