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Great Northern

Great Northern is a brand of Govia Thameslink Railway. Let's take a look at where these trains go, what they're like and how you can find the best fares.

Rather than being a company in itself, Great Northern is a brand of Govia Thameslink Railway. This particular brand focuses on services that run north of London. You’ll find 64 trains branded for these services, which call at 54 different stations.

Your best bet for cheap Great Northern train fares is during a weekend or on a Bank Holiday. During these times, you’ll find some special ‘Super Off-Peak‘ fares. Here are some examples of day return tickets:

    • Peterborough to London – £23.30
    • Cambridge to London – £20.70
    • Stevenage to London – £13.90

You can book these fares on the Railsmartr website without any extra fees.

On board services

Luggage

All services have overhead luggage racks and some also have luggage stacks near the doors.

Food & Drink

There isn’t any catering on Great Northern services. Make sure you buy before you board.

WIFI

Free WiFi is available on Great Northern services.

Bikes

There are some restrictions for bringing non-folding bikes on trains on the Great Northern network. They’re not allowed between Drayton Park and Moorgate at any time. You also can’t bring them onto trains arriving/departing London during peak times and on morning peak trains between King’s Lynn and Cambridge. There’s more information in our dedicated guide to travelling with bikes.

Pets

Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals can travel free in both Standard and 1st Class.

Special Assistance

You can find out more about Passenger Assist on our dedicated page.

Standard Class

There are two fleets of trains branded for Great Northern services. Electrostar trains serve the routes to and from Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn. They have four carriages and can run in formations of up to 12 carriages.

All of the window seats on these trains have access to power sockets, and there’s a reading light above every seat.

On the ‘inner-suburban’ routes to and from Moorgate, you’ll find Desiro City trains. They have six carriages, and they’ve been specially designed for the narrow tunnels under the City of London.

Can I upgrade to First Class?

Trains to and from Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn have First Class, but we wouldn’t recommend upgrading. The seats on the Electrostar trains are exactly the same, and you don’t get any sort of catering service.

If you’re travelling to and from Moorgate, these trains don’t have First Class.

Information about routes

  • King’s Lynn and Ely to London King’s Cross (non-stop from Cambridge)
  • Cambridge to London King’s Cross (stopping)
  • Letchworth Garden City to London King’s Cross
  • Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate
  • Stevenage to Moorgate (via Hertford North)
  • Peterborough to London King’s Cross (peak-time extra trains only).

Fun Facts

Did you know that the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate was once operated by London Underground? The trains on this route have been specially designed to run safely within the narrow tunnels.