InterCity (British Rail): former routes and current operators
InterCity was British Rail’s former long-distance passenger brand and later business sector. It linked major cities through several distinct route groups, many of which became separate franchises.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The Inter-City brand developed in the 1960s, initially associated with improved electric services from London Euston. It was extended across the express network and became a business sector in 1982. The identity joined routes with different London terminals and included a Cross Country network that connected regions without travelling through the capital.
Its principal route families included East Coast, West Coast, Great Western and Midland services, with Anglia and Gatwick Express also associated with the sector in its later period. During the 1990s reorganisation, these businesses became separate train operating units and franchises. “Intercity” is still used as a general description of a type of service, but British Rail InterCity is no longer a train company that can be selected when booking.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical principal London intercity corridors
Different route families used different London terminals. Present station names identify representative major destinations rather than a complete historic service pattern.
Historical regional intercity connections
Cross Country and other intercity routes linked major centres outside a single London radial corridor.
Travelling on these routes today
For current travel, identify the route family and then the operator: examples include LNER, Avanti West Coast, GWR, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry. Do not choose a London station solely from the word intercity. A London–Scotland journey and a Midlands–South West journey can have quite different routes, ticket restrictions and connection choices despite both being long-distance travel.
Tickets and journey choices
InterCity-era fares, sleeper packages, dining offers and promotional conditions are historical. Current first-class facilities and reservations depend on the operator and service actually booked. Compare the product description and itinerary supplied now rather than assuming that a familiar route or former brand guarantees a particular onboard service.
Accessibility and assistance
Use the current operator’s assistance information and the live access details at each station. Long-distance journeys may need support at more than one interchange, and a train’s modern accessible facilities may differ from those in a historic InterCity photograph. Check the actual service and include onward connections when requesting help.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.