The historic direct train between Aberdeen and Penzance, the UK’s longest rail journey, will cease to exist after more than 100 years of operation. CrossCountry, the service operator, is cancelling the route today as part of a restructuring.
This iconic 1,246-kilometre journey, which connects Scotland to the Cornish coast, takes around 13 hours and 20 minutes after stopping at 35 stations.
Launched in 1921, the train left Aberdeen at 8:20 a.m. and arrived in Penzance at 9:31 p.m. It allowed passengers to enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful scenery aboard a 220 or 221 Voyager/SuperVoyager class train.
The last departure was this morning, and there were no tickets for the entire journey. From tomorrow, the service will terminate at Plymouth, cutting the journey by 129km and reducing the journey time to 11 hours 30 minutes, although connections to Cornwall will be maintained.
The Caledonian Sleeper from London to Fort William will become the country’s longest direct train, taking 12 hours and 45 minutes.
