New research from LNER reveals Britain is rediscovering the love of a good book on the train. To support the National Year of Reading 2026, the study suggests millions of passengers are turning train journeys into reading time, with listening to audiobooks, reading e-books, or even leafing through a traditional paperback being a popular pastime at 125 miles an hour.
The research shows that 52% per cent of travellers listened to audiobooks and podcasts, 30% have enjoyed e-books, and 15% turned the pages of virtual newspapers and magazines. The findings come as The National Year of Reading campaign is underway to address a steep decline in the UK’s enjoyment of reading. When it comes to authors, Stephen King topped the list for Brits’ favourite fiction authors, with Bill Bryson leading the pack in non-fiction, and Roald Dahl for the nation’s favourite children’s author.
Even in the digital age, the paperback is far from dead – with the survey finding that 45 per cent of those who read on board still chose a physical book. Over half (51 per cent) of readers spent over thirty minutes of their journey engrossed in a book, while 14 per cent spent over an hour reading, on average, meaning many journeys on the East Coast Main Line are perfect to provide the perfect setting for a page-turner.
Colette Casey, customer experience director at LNER, said: “Train journeys have always been the perfect place to get lost in a good story. Whether our customers prefer a paperback, an audiobook, or a podcast, our research shows many are happy to sit back, relax and let reading take them along for the ride. As we mark the National Year of Reading, we at LNER are hoping to inspire more people of all ages about the joy that reading can bring.”
As part of its Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF), LNER has supported the National Literacy Trust, funding the creation of a new story as part of the charity’s Story Quest programme in Bradford. ‘Benny’s Big Bradford Adventure’ is a one-hour story trail around Bradford City Centre, inviting families to immerse themselves in stories whilst exploring the hidden history of their city – the UK Capital of Culture last year.
Mike Leyland, senior programme manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: “At a time when children’s reading enjoyment is at a two-decade low, and only one in three children and young people read for enjoyment in their free time, our free Story Quest programme encourages families to take time out of their day to immerse themselves in storytelling and discover the hidden history of their own city.”
Customers travelling with LNER can access a digital platform that not only allows them to order food and drink directly to their seats but also provides entertainment for their journey. By scanning the QR code on the back of their seat, fans of podcasts can listen to the hit travel series Routes from LNER, hosted by Jenni Falconer, with James Martin, Stephen Mangan, Penny Lancaster, and Sam Heughan among the celebrity guests revealing what travel means to them.
The LNER Kids Club podcast – which launched a new weather-related episode this week – will help keep younger travellers entertained. Youngsters should also stay tuned for a special literacy themed episode, due in Spring.
Image credit: LNER
