London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has increased connectivity between Bradford Forster Square and London King’s Cross by 250 per cent, positioning rail at the heart of Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations and wider economic strategy.
Service uplift
- Monday–Saturday: seven trains per day each way (previously two)
- Sunday: two trains per day each way (previously one)
- First weekday arrival in Bradford: 09:52, enabling a full business or leisure day
- Southbound departures: every two hours throughout the day
The new timetable provides more than 36,000 additional seats each week, equivalent to 1.9 million annually, and gives passengers greater flexibility for both short-notice and planned trips.
Economic and regional impact
LNER estimates that the expanded timetable will contribute at least £4 million per year to the Bradford district through visitor spending and improved business links. The operator is an official travel partner for Bradford 2025, which is expected to attract 15.5 million visitors.
Infrastructure investment
The extra services have been enabled by Network Rail’s construction of Platform 0 at Bradford Forster Square. The £35 million project, funded by the Department for Transport, increases capacity on the Wharfedale Line and supports further service growth across West Yorkshire.
Commercial offer
To stimulate early demand, LNER has released 55,000 advance tickets priced at £30.60 or less (one-way) for travel between late May and mid-November 2025. Regional fares between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square remain capped at £2.80 one-way, further encouraging modal shift from road to rail.
Executive statements
- David Horne, Managing Director, LNER: “With 1.9 million extra seats each year, our enhanced timetable cements Bradford’s place on the national rail map.”
- Simon Lightwood, Minister for Local Transport: “Government investment is delivering tangible benefits for Bradford passengers and the wider economy.”
- Jason Hamilton, Route Director, Network Rail: “Platform 0 unlocks immediate capacity gains and supports Bradford’s long-term growth.”
Looking ahead
LNER confirms that the higher frequency will remain in place beyond 2025, providing sustained improvements in journey choice and reliability for Bradford residents, businesses and visitors.
