West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN): former routes and current operators
West Anglia Great Northern, commonly shortened to WAGN, was a former operator with two distinct London-based networks. Its West Anglia and Great Northern services separated before the WAGN identity disappeared.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The WAGN franchise began in 1997 under Prism Rail and later came under National Express. Its name joined two railway corridors: West Anglia services using London Liverpool Street, and Great Northern services associated with King’s Cross and Moorgate. Cambridge was reached by both sides, but the routes into London were different.
In 2004, the West Anglia portion joined Anglia Railways and First Great Eastern in the new Greater Anglia franchise. The remaining Great Northern operation continued until it joined Thameslink in First Capital Connect in 2006. Later suburban transfers to TfL and expansion of through-London Thameslink services further changed the map. There is therefore no single present operator covering every former WAGN journey.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical West Anglia corridor
The former Liverpool Street side served the Lea Valley and Cambridge route, including airport and suburban branches.
Historical Great Northern corridor
The other side used King’s Cross and Moorgate, with routes towards Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Travelling on these routes today
For current West Anglia travel, consult Greater Anglia and, for the transferred inner-suburban routes, London Overground. For the former Great Northern side, consult Great Northern and Thameslink. Cambridge-to-London options are a useful example: check which London terminal and route the train uses rather than selecting only the city pair. Airport journeys also need the exact airport station.
Tickets and journey choices
WAGN-era fares and products are historical. A current ticket can distinguish routes via different London terminals or name a particular operator. Check those restrictions when comparing Cambridge or Hertfordshire journeys, since a similar destination or journey time does not make all alternatives interchangeable.
Accessibility and assistance
Use the present operator’s assistance arrangements and current station access information. A change from a Moorgate service to a main-line or Thameslink train may require a different interchange from an old WAGN guide. Include all legs when booking help and check the accessible route between platforms before deciding on a connection.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.