Named LNER train service to Edinburgh launched to celebrate King Charles III's coronation

A train service travelling to Edinburgh will be named to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

On the day of the coronation, the daily London North East Railway (LNER) 11am service between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley will be called the ‘Carolean Express’, with the inaugural service departing the iconic London station on May 6.

The era of British history under King Charles III will be known as the Carolean era, the same name that was given to the eras of both King Charles I and II.

The ‘Carolean Express’ will join formal service names such as ‘Highland Chieftain’ and ‘Northern Lights’ which are popular daily services on the LNER route, operating between London and Inverness and London and Aberdeen.

The weekday ‘Flying Scotsman’ service operates in the opposite direction, taking customers to London King’s Cross from Edinburgh Waverley at 5.40am, stopping only at Newcastle. The ‘Carolean Express’ operates Monday to Sunday calling at York, Darlington, Newcastle, Berwick Upon Tweed and Edinburgh Waverley.

LNER is celebrating 100 years of service on the East Coast Main Line this year, connecting the English and Scottish capital cities and a line which is popular with the royal family.

Over the century, LNER has named trains and services to mark important royal occasions including ‘Coronation’, ‘The Elizabethan’, ‘Silver Jubilee’ and ‘Queen of Scots’.

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing the tradition of royal recognition through our fleet of Azuma trains and services with the introduction of the ‘Carolean Express’. We know that our customers like to hear about our named services and fleet and we’re sure this new addition will prove popular.

“In our 100-year history we’ve had services to celebrate important occasions in royal history and we are proud to mark the reign of King Charles III.”

LNER will be operating its full timetable over the coronation bank holiday, with services expected to be popular as people head to London.

Customers are advised to plan ahead, book in advance and reserve a seat when travelling on LNER services between May 5 and May 8.