Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The UK’s longest direct train journey has been cancelled

CrossCountry’s network stretches from Aberdeen in the north-east of Scotland to Penzance in western Cornwall via Birmingham (Andrew Matthews/PA)
CrossCountry’s network stretches from Aberdeen in the north-east of Scotland to Penzance in western Cornwall via Birmingham (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive)
  • The UK's longest direct train journey, the CrossCountry service from Aberdeen to Penzance, is being axed after over a century of service due to timetable changes from May 2025.
  • The 774-mile route, which takes approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes with 35 stops, will run its last direct service on May 16, 2025, departing from Aberdeen at 8:20 am and arriving in Penzance at 9:31 pm.
  • Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent, notes that while the curtailment is "a touch sad," the number of passengers traveling the entire route was minimal, and the changes may improve service on the core CrossCountry routes.
  • The service will be shortened to an 11-hour and 30-minute journey from Aberdeen to Plymouth, with connecting trains to Penzance, and CrossCountry claims the changes will create a more efficient timetable and convenient service for many customers.
  • With the discontinuation of the Aberdeen to Penzance route, the Caledonian Sleeper's overnight train from London Euston to Fort William will become the UK's longest direct train service, lasting approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in