Arriva Group Launches New Rail Link to Brighton via Gatwick

Arriva Group has announced plans to launch a direct train service from Newcastle to Brighton via London Gatwick, enhancing UK rail connectivity and offering sustainable travel for underserved communities. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new service, operated by Grand Central, includes five daily trains in each direction and is expected to start in December 2026. It will eliminate the need to transfer through London, saving time and easing pressure on the capital’s overloaded transport system.

Don’t miss…Indian Railways Enhances Security on Kashmir Rail Link After Pahalgam Attack

Arriva Group Targets Improved Access Across the UK

By introducing the first direct rail route from Newcastle to Brighton, Arriva Group strengthens regional links between the Northeast, Midlands, and South Coast. The route will serve towns like Northallerton, Warwick, and Burton-on-Trent, providing more travel options for both leisure and business.

Each train will accommodate up to 300 passengers and include features such as onboard Wi-Fi, catering, power outlets, and luggage space for airport travelers. This upgrade reflects the company’s goal to make rail travel a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to road transport.

Arriva Group Invests in Grand Central Rail Service Growth

Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, highlighted the strategic value of the project. He emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure that supports economic development and connects people to new opportunities.

To support this and other future routes, Arriva Group has invested $375 million (£300 million) in a modern battery-hybrid train fleet. These new trains will reduce emissions while offering a smoother, more efficient travel experience.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, welcomed the proposal, noting its potential to strengthen public transport access to the airport. He also stressed how such connectivity can help reduce road traffic and promote greener mobility.

This proposal joins other Arriva Group applications awaiting ORR approval, including potential new services to Bradford, York, Grimsby, and Cleethorpes. The Grand Central rail service remains central to the company’s strategy to reshape open access travel in the UK.

Source, photo: news.arriva.co.uk

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: