LNER 70min Flex tickets: how do they work?

Routes, rules and how to book LNER semi-flexible train tickets

Lauren Ryan

Published: September 17, 2026

LNER 70min Flex tickets: how do they work?

LNER serves the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King’s Cross to major destinations across England and Scotland, and now they’ve expanded their semi-flexible train ticket network to make your travel plans less rigid. The ticket is called the LNER 70min Flex ticket and is part of an initiative to simplify ticket types. LNER’s semi-flexible tickets serve as a bridge between constrictive Advance tickets for one specific train departure and Anytime fares that come at a hefty price tag.

The 70min Flex ticket lets passengers take the train with a degree of flexibility without breaking the bank – and without having to worry about off-peak hours. We share all the details on how it works and which routes they can be found on below.

What is an LNER 70min Flex ticket?

The LNER 70min Flex Single ticket gives passengers an extra 70 minutes of flexibility at either side of their booked journey. You can travel as originally planned or board a train departing up to 70 minutes before or after your scheduled departure. Despite being a flexible fare, you are still guaranteed your seat reservation on your chosen LNER train, which can be swapped for other trains within your flexible timeframe if your plans change.

You’ll also find First Class 70min Flex tickets available, so you can enjoy all the perks of LNER’s First Class service – including lounge access – with the extra breathing room afforded by a semi-flexible ticket.

How does LNER 70min Flex work?

LNER’s semi-flexible train tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks before your date of travel but also as little as 5 minutes before a train’s scheduled departure time – meaning you can secure lower fares when you book further out even if you’re not 100% certain of your travel time or secure some flexibility last minute when your plans suddenly change. As these tickets are only semi-flexible, they are non-refundable.

Changing your travel time:

Up to 70 minutes early or late: Travel as planned or start your journey up to 70 minutes earlier or later, in which case you can change your seat reservations on the app or website or simply board any valid train and find an available seat.
More than 70 minutes early or late: If you wish to change to a train on a different date or a departure more than 70 minutes earlier or later than booked, a £10 admin fee plus any fare difference will apply.

You can also apply your Railcard discount to 70min Flex tickets, meaning you can enjoy this added flexibility at 1/3 off the base fare. You can book LNER’s semi-flexible train tickets for travel between London King’s Cross and the Northumberland Line – check out the possible destinations below.

Applicable destinations for the 70min Flex tickets

70min Flex tickets are available on routes between London King’s Cross and the Northumberland Line – where 70min Flex tickets are available, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets will no longer be on offer, but you’ll still have access to Advance and Anytime fares.

Semi-flexible train tickets from London to Newcastle

LNER’s 70min Flex fares are available for trains from London King’s Cross to Newcastle station, allowing you to enjoy semi-flexible travel to the vibrant northern hub. Journeys take about 3 hours on average, allowing you to sit back and relax on LNER’s comfortable service before taking in Newcastle’s famous bridges along the River Tyne, its incredible markets such as Grainger Market and its medieval history, epitomised in Newcastle Castle.

Book your semi-flexible train tickets to Newcastle now!

Semi-flexible train tickets from London to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is another incredible destination you can reach with LNER’s 70min Flex tickets – you’ll find routes arriving at Edinburgh Waverley from London Kings Cross in about 4 hr 10 min on average. Edinburgh has so much to offer for visitors: the quaint cobblestone streets of its old town offer rich medieval history and architecture – Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are top of the list. But you’ll also find the National Museum of Scotland, a hike to take in the views from Arthur’s Seat and incredible local fare in cosy pubs with many whisky tastings on offer.

Book your semi-flexible train tickets to Edinburgh with the peace of mind that you can board any train in the 70 minutes before or after your planned departure.

Semi-flexible train tickets from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed

You can also travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed with added flexibility: LNER’s semi-flexible train tickets serve this northernmost town in England, arriving at Berwick-upon-Tweed station in about 3 hr 45 min on average. Once you arrive, there’s plenty to see and do: we recommend walking the 1.2-mile circuit of the historic Elizabethan town walls and taking in views of the coastline, the River Tweed and the town’s three bridges. You’ll also find plenty of independent shopping on streets like Bridge Street and West Street as well as dog-friendly cafes and local pubs. Or why not head to nearby sandy beaches like Spittal and Cocklawburn?

Secure your 70min Flex fares for trains to Berwick-upon-Tweed now for the best deals!

Which LNER ticket type should you choose: Advance, 70min Flex, or Anytime?

This 70min Flex ticket offers a great middle ground between rigid travel times and pricey walk-up fares, but it’s important to know which is the best option to choose for your trip.

You may be asking yourself, ‘What is the difference between a semi-flexible and flexible train ticket?’ Well, in the table below we explain all the differences between a non-flexible Advance ticket, a semi-flexible 70min Flex and a fully flexible Anytime ticket, as well as what trips they’re best for, so you can make an informed decision.

Features	Advance Single	70min Flex Single	Anytime Single
Price	Cheapest	Mid-tier (usually about £20 surcharge on Advance fares)	Most expensive (often double the price of semi-flexible)
Travel flexibility	Only valid on selected trains	Valid on any train 70 minutes before or after selected train	No restrictions – valid on any train up to 2 days after booked date
Route network	Valid on any route (subject to availability)	Available on journeys between London King’s Cross and the Northumberland Line including Edinburgh connections	Available on any route
Departure time change fees	£10 admin fee plus fare difference	No fee for changes to trains 70 minutes before or after original booking – £10 fee plus fare difference applies outside this window	No fee
Best for	Budget-conscious travellers with a fixed schedule.	Leisure travellers (solo, couples or groups) planning city breaks who want some flexibility, business travellers with short meetings, passengers connecting from flights.	High-budget travellers, corporate clients, anyone with uncertain schedules or making last-minute trips.

How to book LNER 70 min Flex tickets via TrainPal?

Add your Railcard to your TrainPal ticket search. Enter your chosen departure and arrival stations (in this case, journeys between London King’s Cross and the Northumberland Line), along with your travel date. Remember: LNER 70min Flex tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance or as little as 5 minutes before departure.
Filter by LNER trains and compare the available options. Choose your preferred departure time and continue to purchase.
Enter the email address where you would like to receive your e-Tickets.
Enter your payment details and complete the purchase.
You’re ready to travel! Enjoy your semi-flexible train journey.