LNER has revealed a futuristic vision for train travel in 2075, developed in partnership with applied futurist Tom Cheesewright and based on passenger surveys. The predictions are showcased in the ‘Train of the Future’ exhibit at London King’s Cross Station from July 30 to August 1, as part of the Railway 200 celebrations marking 200 years of modern railways.
The train of the future could feature floor-to-ceiling windows with augmented reality layers, offering scenes and gamification. Quantum computing and AI might enable aerodynamic designs, while super-stiff composites and 3D-printed metals would make trains lighter, stronger, and faster with less energy. Facial recognition could replace ticket barriers, and individual travel pods might handle onward journeys.
Onboard, seats could adjust temperature and firmness based on pre-saved preferences, and safe standing treadmill seats could allow passengers to exercise during long journeys. A survey of 2,000 people found that cinema-style entertainment (36%), wellness pods (23%), and nap pods (23%) were top desires, followed by pre-programmed smart seats (22%) and designated pet zones (21%). Self-balancing food trays (21%) and family fun zones (19%) were also popular.
Tom Cheesewright said: “Imagining train travel in 50 years means thinking about everything that will be possible... The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows.” The exhibit runs daily from 9am to 5pm at King’s Cross.
