Overview

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) is a current UK train operating company that provides regional and long-distance services across the West Midlands and North West of England. Operated by West Midlands Trains, the franchise began in December 2017, taking over the long-distance routes previously managed by London Midland. As the intercity brand within the group, LNR operates key services linking London Euston with Birmingham, Liverpool, and Crewe, while its sister brand, West Midlands Railway, manages local and suburban routes. The franchise continues to build on modernisation, reliability, and investment in new trains to meet the needs of a growing passenger base.

London Northwestern Railway was introduced in 2017 following the award of the West Midlands Trains franchise, jointly owned by Abellio, JR East, and Mitsui. The brand name pays tribute to the historic London and North Western Railway, one of the great pre-grouping railway companies of Britain. LNR inherited much of London Midland’s long-distance network but introduced a fresh identity, new timetables, and a programme of fleet renewal. Since its inception, the franchise has focused on capacity expansion, improving punctuality, and enhancing passenger comfort on some of the UK’s busiest routes.

LNR operates a wide network of services along the southern section of the West Coast Main Line and across the Midlands. Its key routes include London Euston to Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street, and Crewe, along with services connecting Birmingham with Walsall, Rugeley, and Northampton. The network provides an essential link for both intercity and commuter travel, combining fast long-distance connections with affordable fares and frequent services that support local and regional mobility.

LNR’s fleet includes Class 350 Desiro electric multiple units, Class 319s, and the new Class 730 Aventra trains entering service as part of a major modernisation programme. The trains feature contemporary interiors, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and accessible facilities, catering to both business and leisure passengers. The franchise’s green and white livery offers a clean, modern appearance that reflects the operator’s commitment to sustainability and high standards of presentation across its fleet.

Passengers travelling with LNR can choose from a full range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime fares, as well as flexible season tickets and smartcard options. Services are supported by online and mobile booking platforms, contactless ticketing, and a growing range of station facilities. The franchise is positioned as a dependable and affordable option for travel between major cities and regional hubs across the Midlands and North West.

Since its launch, London Northwestern Railway has worked to deliver dependable performance across one of the most congested parts of the UK’s rail network. While challenges such as infrastructure congestion and fleet availability have affected reliability at times, ongoing investment in new rolling stock and digital systems continues to drive improvement. LNR has established itself as an important operator, connecting communities across the heart of Britain and maintaining the strong legacy of the historic railway it was named after.

• The “London Northwestern Railway” name revives one of Britain’s original pre-grouping railway companies, first established in the 19th century.

• LNR operates over 400 services every weekday across its network.

• The new Class 730 Aventra fleet will significantly increase capacity and improve journey quality for passengers.

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• 2018 - Summer
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• 2019 - Summer