Harrogate set to get earlier and later direct London trains

Last updated Sep 12, 2023

LNER commercial director David Flesher

Harrogate is on track to get a direct train to London departing an hour earlier than the current first service of the day.

David Flesher, commercial director at LNER, told businesses last night the company wanted the first direct train to leave Harrogate at 6.35am, rather than the current 7.37am.

It would enable commuters to arrive at King’s Cross in the capital at 9.30am rather than the current 10.30am.

People travelling back to Harrogate from London would also benefit from a later last direct service home, Mr Flesher told Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting, under plans being formulated.

He said the final train would depart an hour later than the current 5.33pm service.

However, the changes are not due to be implemented until the end of next year.

Mr Flesher, who lives in Harrogate, told the meeting the number of customers using the Harrogate line had risen by 15% this year. He added:

“We want to bring earlier and later London services from Harrogate next year.”

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, who organised the guest speakers at last night’s transport-themed chamber meeting, asked Mr Flesher what time the new services would be scheduled for.

Mr Flesher gave the details and said the earlier and later services had been “long-awaited”. He added:

“That will get people into London at a much more helpful and sensible time in the morning.”

A LNER spokesperson contacted the Stray Ferret after the article was first published to say:

“These are ambitions that are being explored with timings subject to change. An hour earlier southbound is the ambition with a new timetable. With reference to the northbound return train in particular, this is in discussion but very much our ambition.”