Trains which have carried generations of customers across millions of miles of railway are set to be celebrated by LNER.
Nearly 40 years ago, InterCity 225 trains were introduced on the East Coast Main Line following electrification of the route. The trains currently work alongside the LNER Azuma fleet, having originally complemented the famous Intercity 125 High Speed Train (HST) that had entered service in 1978.
Throughout their lives, these stalwarts of the East Coast have carried generations of customers, and have clocked up many millions of miles, transporting people across the country for day trips, holidays, meetings, sporting events, and so much more.
On Thursday 22 May 2025, LNER will host its first ‘225 Day’, honouring this special fleet of trains, and celebrating people’s memories.
On the day, one of the LNER Class 91 locos – which push or pull every InterCity 225 – will be named, while other InterCity 225 sets operating in passenger service will have specially designed merchandise and giveaways onboard.
Through their life, the trains have operated across the electrified sections of the East Coast Main Line up to Edinburgh, but nowadays mainly ply their trade between Leeds, other parts of West and North Yorkshire, and London King’s Cross.
Dr Linda Wain, engineering director at LNER, said: “Our InterCity 225 trains have been running up and down the East Coast Main Line for almost 40 years now and it feels right that we celebrate all that they have done across those years.
“Consciously or not, millions of people have interacted with these giants of British engineering, and in their swansong years we want to recognise the mammoth impact they have had on the rail industry over the past four decades.
“225 Day is a perfect opportunity for colleagues and customers to come together, share memories, and celebrate the hard work these trains have put in.”
Steve Timothy, stakeholder director at Eversholt Rail added: “Our iconic fleet of InterCity 225 trains have provided millions of passengers on East Coast routes a fast and comfortable service over many years. We are proud to support LNER’s celebration of this popular fleet.”
Image credit: LNER
