Central Trains: former routes and current operators
Central Trains was a former regional operator whose network stretched across the Midlands and into neighbouring regions. Its services were divided between several successor franchises, so there is no single modern Central Trains replacement.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
Central Trains began operating in 1997 under National Express. It combined local West Midlands trains with regional routes in the East Midlands and longer cross-country links. The brand therefore appeared on journeys with very different purposes, from Birmingham commuting to travel between the East of England and major northern cities.
The major remapping in November 2007 divided the remaining network. East Midlands Trains combined the eastern Central services with Midland Mainline. The new West Midlands franchise, branded London Midland, took western services alongside Silverlink County. The renewed CrossCountry franchise also received former Central routes. Earlier Welsh transfers had already moved some services into Wales & Borders. Present operator names depend on which part of that history a journey follows.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical West Midlands local network
Central operated commuter and regional trains around Birmingham and the surrounding counties. These representative stations are not all on a single service.
Historical East Midlands and longer regional routes
The former brand also covered routes through Nottingham, Lincolnshire and towards the East of England.
Travelling on these routes today
For current travel, compare West Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry according to the route. A Birmingham local journey and a Birmingham–Stansted journey should not be planned under the same assumed successor. Check where a change is needed and which Birmingham station is used; the city’s main stations are not interchangeable boarding points.
Tickets and journey choices
Central Trains fares and promotional products are superseded. Current operator-specific tickets can differ even where companies share a corridor. Search the complete itinerary and inspect the ticket’s route and operator wording, especially when combining a local West Midlands train with a longer regional service. An old Central map cannot establish modern fare validity.
Accessibility and assistance
Arrange assistance with the current operator or through the coordinated Passenger Assist service. Give all connecting trains when the former Central journey is now split across companies. Check platform access at the actual interchange and any replacement transport; older Central fleet descriptions do not describe the accessibility of today’s train.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.