LNER to scrap off-peak rail tickets between London and Edinburgh

Firm claims pilot will ‘simplify’ fares but users say it means end of affordable train travel between two capitals

Off-peak tickets are to be scrapped on trains between London and Edinburgh, in a move that the operator London North Eastern Railway described as “simplifying fares” but rail users denounced as signalling the end of affordable, immediate travel on the route.

LNER said the change meant journeys would be priced more closely to demand to make rail travel more attractive, with only three types of fare now available for journeys directly between London King’s Cross and Newcastle, Berwick and Edinburgh.