Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains is a rail brand historically associated with Britain’s West Coast Main Line from 1997 to 2019. A later European international-train proposal is a separate project; a 2025 depot-access decision did not mean passenger services had launched.
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Key facts
1997–2019West Coast Main Line operation
Virgin Trains began its West Coast Main Line involvement in 1997 and ended that phase of operation in 2019. Its farewell announcement reviewed the role of Pendolino trains and the operator’s service history.[1]
2019End of the West Coast business
In November 2019 the brand published its farewell to the West Coast Main Line. Later Virgin ticketing services, brand licences and rail proposals should be distinguished from that historical operator.[1]
October 2025Temple Mills depot-access decision
On October 30, 2025, the Office of Rail and Road supported Virgin Trains Europe Holdings’ application for access to Temple Mills depot. Virgin’s proposal at that stage targeted services from 2030 and approximately £700 million of investment.[2]
Project conditions: Depot access is not service authorization
The regulator noted that funding and relevant UK and EU safety, track and station arrangements remained necessary. Passenger services were still at the proposal stage.[2]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Virgin Trains: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[2]
Richard BransonRichard BransonRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group. Beginning with a youth magazine and mail-order records, he expanded into aviation, leisure, telecommunications, finance and commercial spaceflight. He also founded Virgin Unite and is known for ballooning expeditions and his 2021 suborbital flight.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson (opens in a new window).[2][3]
Virgin GroupVirgin GroupVirgin Group is an investment and brand group originating in the record business established by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in 1970. Its network spans aviation, travel, hospitality, health, telecommunications, finance and spaceflight. Virgin-branded businesses have distinct ownership and operating arrangements.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[2][4]
Sources
- Virgin Trains waves goodbye to the West Coast Mainline with all-star music video (opens in a new window)
- Rail regulator opens door to future international train services with Temple Mills access approval for Virgin Trains (opens in a new window)
- Richard Branson (opens in a new window)
- Virgin Group (opens in a new window)