A rare opportunity is being offered to travel aboard the iconic Midland Pullman during a landmark test run between Crewe and London Euston on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
The special journey will mark the first time the High Speed Train (HST) operates at 125mph on a non-stop run along this route.
The return leg from Crewe to London Euston will form part of an official test programme assessing the potential for sustained 125mph line speeds for HST services.
Travelling on the West Coast Main Line, the train will pass via Stafford, Rugby and Milton Keynes before arriving in London Euston at 12:55.
Following a scheduled departure at 14:05, the service will complete its return journey to Crewe as part of this significant operational evaluation.
The test represents an important step toward potential line speed enhancements for HST operations, while offering passengers the chance to experience high-speed main line running in a unique and historic setting.
First class seating is available (non-dining) at tables of 2 or 4, starting at £179pp. A limited selection of private window seating for two is available at a supplement of £20pp.
Responses
Where can I purchase tickets for this Pullman non stop run
Is 125mph actually allowed for non-tilting trains on WCML? Won’t it be a bit uncomfortable?
Did Euston Crewe many times on the Holyhead HSTs running as fast as the Pendolinos (mostly). I suspect that the main problem is the Victoria curve south of Stafford. That would need to be slower
There are several decent section where speeds of between 110mph and 125mph are possible on the WCML. I remember when I worked for Network Rail and was about to do a lot of work over on the WCML and studying the route specifications, is was clear that in many areas, is was more or less a matter of changing signage and recasting the timetable. Not all of the WCML is as curvaceous as the WCML is famous for being. With tilting it is possible to hit 155mph which means it might be possible to hit 140mph none-tilting on some limited sections. It’ll never happen, but i’m a big proponents of ordering new, New 155mph, New Pendolino Sets for the WCML and and upgrading both the WCML and ECML for 155mph tilting operation.
Wait it’s never gone 125 before?
Presumably, yes it has, many times as they worked the Holyheads, but not on a non-stop run.
Shouldn’t have any trouble achieving that speed.i was on its first tour on the mainline achieved 122 mph between Luton and Bedford