Grand Central

About Grand Central

UK Grand Central is an open access rail operator that has been operating since 2007 and does not rely on subsidies from the Department for Transport, which means we receive no help of any kind from the government and our only loyalty is to our customers - it is in our interest to provide you with the best possible journey. It now receives subsidies from Arriva Trains UK and serves cities along the Yorkshire, North East England and Durham coastlines, linking them to London. The Grand Central Railway operates two types of train - the British Rail 180 diesel coupled and the British Rail 43 diesel-electric (HST) - for short and long distance journeys respectively. They have different layouts and seating arrangements. We have been connecting London King's Cross, Yorkshire and the North East since 2007 and our customers consistently rate us as one of the best train companies in the country - in spring 2020 we were rated as the best in the UK in terms of customer satisfaction (95%) and value for money (74%). Seats are available in two main categories: standard and first class. First class seats offer more space for your legs and there are spacious reclining seats for relaxation. Your ticket also includes refreshments and newspapers to make your journey more enjoyable for both work and relaxation. Standard seat passengers enjoy free WiFi and complimentary coffee and tea, as well as more space and service. Trains from London King's Cross to Sunderland have accessible standard toilets, boarding ramps, priority seating for special groups, read-aloud information and staff available to help you. The Grand Central runs five trains a day between Sunderland and London King's Cross, calling at Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York. Four trains run daily between Braford Transit and London King's Cross, calling at Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, Pontefract Monkhill and Doncaster. There are four main types of ticket: Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak. Advance tickets can be booked the day before travel and Advance and Anytime tickets allow you to travel in either standard or first class seats. For Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets, only Standard seats are available. The Anytime Ticket gives you more flexibility in choosing your travel time. Passengers can choose to upgrade to a First Class seat at weekends, while frequent travellers can order a Carnet package containing 10 tickets at a discounted rate. When you choose to travel with Grand Central, you are choosing rail travel as it should be reliable, relaxing and with exceptional service. You can buy your tickets up to 6 months before you travel and save up to 87%!