Arriva Proposes New Direct Service Linking Newcastle & Brighton

Arriva Group has submitted an open access application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for the introduction of a new direct rail service linking Newcastle and Brighton.

If approved; the new service will travel via London Gatwick and provide five trains per day in each direction, establishing the first direct route between the two locations.

The service, which would be operated by Arriva’s open access rail operator, Grand Central, would begin service from December 2026.

Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, said:

We’re committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable, so we’re very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity – all while building on Grand Central’s proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities.

This is an exciting time for Grand Central’s growth story and follows the extension of our existing access rights to 2038 as well as the recent announcement of an investment of around £300 million in a new battery hybrid train fleet for our existing routes, further underlining our commitment and ambition for rail in the UK.

Each train would provide direct access to London Gatwick for communities in cities and towns within both the northeast and midlands, with each vehicle set to offer the capacity for 300 passengers, including luggage space, on-board catering, wi-fi and dedicated charging points.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick said:

We welcome Arriva’s exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East, and are excited about the opportunities this proposed service could bring. London Gatwick is keen to encourage passengers to use public transport and this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment.

London Gatwick already boasts an extensive network supported by strong relationships with transport providers, making the airport the best connected in the UK by public transport - this proposed addition would further enhance the seamless travel options for passengers and staff.

Proposed stops for the service include Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham New Street, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Redhill, London Gatwick, Haywards Heath and Brighton.