UK's longest direct train journey ends as CrossCountry runs final Aberdeen-Penzance service

The UK’s longest direct passenger train journey completed its final service on May 16.

The CrossCountry service from Aberdeen to Penzance began its journey at 0820, stopping at another 39 stations on its way, including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St Davids before pulling into Penzance 13 hours later and slightly delayed at 2140.

Operated by Class 220 Voyagers, the initial journey started with the five-car 221128 before coupling with 220002 at Edinburgh. The full nine-car rake then travelled onwards towards Bristol Temple Meads where it was then again uncoupled and 221128 then completed the journey to Penzance.

The journey has in some form been in existence for just over 100 years, with the first established connection made by Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) in 1921. The first journey took place on October 3 and took just over 22 hours.

CrossCountry announced last month that the route would be discontinued once the new timetable began on 18 May stating at the time it was aiming to run a “more efficient service”. A new shorter service which is 11hrs 30 minutes long will end at Plymouth.

A CrossCountry spokesperson said: "Amending our Aberdeen to Penzance service from May will mean a more efficient timetable for our train crews and a more convenient service for our customers, making a day trip from Bristol and the west of England to Penzance more viable.

"The new timetable will also deliver an additional service in each direction between Glasgow and the north east of England towards Birmingham."