Our story
Chiltern Railways connects London with communities across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, as well as destinations in the West Midlands. From our London Marylebone home, our services provide connections for commuters, business travellers and leisure passengers travelling between London and towns and cities along the Chiltern Main Line and its branch routes.
Our network includes services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford, with some peak-time services extending to Stourbridge. We also operate services between London and Aylesbury, including some journeys to Aylesbury Vale Parkway, as well as services between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury and between Oxford and Bicester.
Over the years, the Chiltern network has grown considerably. What began as a relatively small railway has developed into an important part of the transport network connecting London with communities across the region and the West Midlands.
A railway built around its customers
Chiltern Railways began operating passenger services in July 1996 following the privatisation of Britain's railways. From the outset, investment in new trains and improvements to the network played an important role in developing the railway.
In 1998, Chiltern became the first post-privatisation train operator to introduce newly built trains, with the Class 168 entering service. Since then, continued investment has helped transform the network, with improvements to stations, infrastructure, services and the customer experience.
The network has also expanded over the years, with new and improved stations providing better connections for the communities and destinations we serve. Warwick Parkway opened in 2000, while Aylesbury Vale Parkway opened in 2008. Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations followed in 2015, creating new connections between Oxfordshire and London.
One of the most significant developments in Chiltern's history came in 2011, when a new rail link between Oxford and London Marylebone opened, reconnecting Oxford directly with London by rail for the first time in many years.
Chiltern has continued to invest in its fleet and onboard experience. In recent years, this has included a £12 million refurbishment programme for our Class 168 fleet, introducing improvements including new interiors, better Wi-Fi and USB charging points. In 2026, a new fleet of 13 Mark 5A carriages was introduced, replacing the older Mark 3 coaches and bringing features including charging points at every seat, improved Wi-Fi and dedicated luggage and bike storage.
Our railway has continued to evolve alongside the communities we serve, with a focus on making journeys easier, greener and better for our customers.
Chiltern Railways through the years
1996
Chiltern Railways begins operating passenger services following the privatisation of Britain's railways.
1998
Class 168 trains enter service, making Chiltern the first post-privatisation train operator to introduce newly built trains.
2000
Warwick Parkway station opens, providing improved access to the rail network and park-and-ride facilities.
2004
Chiltern takes over operation of services on the Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon branch line.
2005
The collapse of the partially constructed Gerrards Cross tunnel causes major disruption to the Chiltern Main Line. The line reopens after more than six weeks.
2008
Aylesbury Vale Parkway opens, extending passenger services further north from Aylesbury. In the same year, Chiltern becomes part of Deutsche Bahn following its acquisition of Laing Rail.
2011
The new Oxford–London rail link opens, reconnecting Oxford directly with London Marylebone.
2015
Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations open, providing new rail connections between Oxfordshire and London.
2016
Direct Chiltern services between Oxford and London Marylebone begin.
2021
Chiltern celebrates 25 years of passenger services and continues to develop its plans for a more modern and sustainable railway.
2024
A £12 million programme to refurbish the Class 168 fleet begins, improving the onboard experience with upgraded interiors, Wi-Fi and charging facilities.
2026
Chiltern introduces its new fleet of 13 Mark 5A carriages, replacing its oldest mainline coaches and bringing improved facilities for customers.
20 September 2026
Chiltern Railways' passenger services are scheduled to transfer into public ownership as part of the Government's programme to bring passenger rail services under public control.
A new chapter for Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways has been part of the Arriva group since 2011, following the restructuring of Deutsche Bahn's UK rail operations.
As part of the Government's programme to bring passenger rail services into public ownership, Chiltern Railways' passenger services are scheduled to transfer to DfT Operator Limited on 20 September 2026.
The transfer marks a new chapter in the history of Chiltern Railways.
While the ownership of our passenger services is changing, our focus remains the same: connecting the communities we serve and providing safe, reliable and convenient journeys for our customers.
Our railway will continue to play an important role in connecting London with Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, supporting the people, businesses and communities that rely on our services every day.