LNER Services Begin At Reston As The Borders Station Opens

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is celebrating the launch of direct Azuma services from Reston with the Scottish Borders village becoming the newest destination on the East Coast route.

The daily service in each direction starts today (Monday 23 May 2022) as the railway station opens with LNER’s Azuma trains connecting the community with the Scottish capital and the North of England. It is the first time train services will serve Reston in almost 60 years.

To mark the historic occasion, LNER’s Azuma carrying the special ‘Celebrating Scotland’ official tartan livery made the first journey north from Reston. The inaugural northbound service departed from Reston at 07:27, before calling at Dunbar at 07:43, arriving at Edinburgh Waverley at 08:07.  An evening weekday Aberdeen to Leeds southbound service will call at the newly opened station at 21:41.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “I am delighted to welcome Reston as our latest destination on one of the most scenic parts of our route, boasting magnificent views of both the Scottish Borders countryside and coastline.

“I know the residents of Reston will be thrilled that the station is open and services have resumed once again to Reston. Many have campaigned for a number of years to see this day and we are proud to be able to serve the community.”

Barrie Forrest, Chair of the Rail Action Group, East of Scotland, is among those who campaigned to restore services. He said: “It will make a huge difference. It will give us a transport system that we have not had for many years.  It will enable young people to further their education. Older generations can go out taking the train instead of the car.”

LNER’s electric and bi-mode Azuma fleet provides significant environmental benefits travelling in electric mode to and from Reston, and offers greater comfort and space, keeping people connected with free Wi-Fi and sockets at each seat. 

While onboard, people can make the most of LNER’s legendary hospitality with complimentary refreshments served in First Class and at-seat ordering in Standard with the ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ service.

Customers can book direct, fee free and with ease using LNER’s mobile App and website and sign up for live journey updates, which will provide the latest information about their journey. LNER recommends customers select and reserve a seat in advance so they can travel in confidence knowing they have the comfort of a seat for the duration of their journey.

Tickets start from £10.80 for an Advance single journey in Standard between Reston and Edinburgh or £20.20 in First Class. Advance tickets between Reston and Newcastle start from £15.70 in Standard or £30.20 in First Class.