Direct Middlesbrough to London train service launched today

A new direct train service between Middlesbrough and London launches today for the first time in 31 years.

The daily weekday service aims to drive opportunity in Teesside, providing better connections for workers and a major lift for tourism. It follows on from the government’s pledge to invest £96bn in the railways to help level up the nation.

Running Monday to Friday in each direction, the new service will also connect nearby Thornaby directly with London King’s Cross in approximately three hours.

The first train was scheduled to depart Middlesbrough at 07:08AM and will arrive at London’s King’s Cross at 10:22AM.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP, said: “The railways are the backbone of this country, and I’m delighted we’re establishing a direct service between Middlesbrough and London for the first time in more than 3 decades.

“Not only will this world-class service provide green benefits, but it will also give the people of Teesside better connections for work, help bring loved ones together, and drive tourism to this fantastic region.

“This follows our ambitious Integrated Rail Plan which is building a better rail network that benefits everyone.”

Run by London North Eastern Railway, the service will see passengers travel on Azuma trains. This offers environmental benefits, running on electric wires between London and North Yorkshire, before switching to diesel to Middlesbrough. The trains also feature free onboard wi-fi and more space than conventional carriages.

As well as the introduction of a direct London-Middlesbrough service, the new timetable will also see improvements on journeys between Harrogate and York and between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Train operator Northern is adding more services, increasing the York-Harrogate service to half hourly from hourly. A new service of 5 trains per day between Newcastle and Edinburgh is also being introduced by TPE for Transport Scotland, serving Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.