Rail enthusiasts flock to witness the Class 455 farewell tour from London Waterloo

South Western Railway is marking the end of an era today with a farewell tour for its Class 455 electric multiple units, which have served London’s south‑west suburban network for more than four decades. The special event has attracted huge interest from rail enthusiasts, with tickets for the first train selling out in just seconds, and a second charter added to meet overwhelming demand. The Class 455 units, known for their distinctive red livery, have been a familiar sight on commuter routes out of London Waterloo across Surrey, Berkshire and south‑west London since entering service in the early 1980s.

The Class 455 trains were built by British Rail Engineering Limited between 1982 and 1985, with the first units entering service in 1983. Over the years, they became a reliable presence on suburban routes, carrying millions of passengers and earning a reputation for robustness and dependability. Their design prioritised practicality, which helped them remain in operation for more than 40 years despite lacking modern amenities such as air conditioning and advanced passenger information systems.

Today’s farewell tour retraces key suburban routes, giving rail enthusiasts and passengers the chance to experience the Class 455s one last time. Special charters departing from London Waterloo travelled across familiar lines, allowing enthusiasts to capture photographs and celebrate the trains’ long service. The event drew visitors from across the UK, highlighting the affection that railfans and commuters have held for these units over decades of service.

The retirement of the Class 455 coincides with the introduction of South Western Railway’s new Class 701 “Arterio” units, which are gradually taking over suburban services previously operated by the older trains. The new fleet is designed to increase capacity and improve passenger comfort, representing a major upgrade for the network. The Class 455 farewell allows the public to pay tribute to a fleet that has been an iconic part of London suburban rail travel.

In addition to the tour itself, proceeds from the farewell event support charitable causes including Macmillan Cancer Support, The Alex Wardle Foundation, and Railway Children. Enthusiasts have shared images and memories of the Class 455s across social media, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration for a fleet that has been a constant presence on the region’s railways.

The Class 455 farewell tour marks the conclusion of regular operations for one of the UK’s longest-serving suburban EMU classes. Today’s events allow passengers and railfans to celebrate decades of reliable service, closing a chapter in the history of London’s commuter rail network while honouring a train class that has been a fixture of daily life for generations.

Timings for the railtour can be found below:

Train A - 455717 & 455712

• 1Z41 0932½ London Waterloo to London Waterloo (RTT)

• 1Z43 1134 London Waterloo to Guildford (RTT)

• 1Z45 1515 Guildford to London Waterloo (RTT)

• 1Z47 1812 London Waterloo to London Waterloo (RTT)

Train B - 455871 & 455727

• 1Z61 1035 London Waterloo to London Waterloo (RTT)

• 1Z63 1234 London Waterloo to Guildford (RTT)

• 1Z65 1615 Guildford to London Waterloo (RTT)

• 1Z67 1912 London Waterloo to London Waterloo (RTT)

Image: South Western Railway