UK's Longest Train Route, Aberdeen to Penzance, Set to End May 2025

CrossCountry has announced the discontinuation of the UK's longest direct train service from Aberdeen to Penzance after over a century, with the last journey scheduled for May 16, 2025. The 774-mile route, which takes approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes and includes 36 stops, has seen limited passenger numbers, leading to this decision. Travel correspondent Simon Calder remarked on the sadness of losing such a scenic journey, though he noted that the core routes may benefit from the redeployment of resources. Following the timetable changes, a new service will operate only as far as Plymouth, reducing the journey time to just over 11 hours. This adjustment is expected to create a more efficient schedule, with connections to Penzance available. The Caledonian Sleeper will then take the title of the UK's longest direct train service, lasting about 12 hours and 45 minutes.