We operate one of the busiest networks in the country

We operate one of the busiest networks in the country, running the train service between London and Kent and parts of East Sussex, including the UK’s first domestic highspeed service with Javelin trains.

The operation of all Southeastern services transferred from London South Eastern Railway (LSER) to SE Trains Limited on 17th October 2021.

SE Trains Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of DfT OLR Holdings Limited (‘DOHL’), the Public Sector Owning Group with responsibility for LNER and Northern Trains Limited. 

Read more about our transfer of ownership


Southeastern by numbers

Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex:

  • Operating over 1,700 trains a day
  • We manage 165 stations across south-east London, Kent and East Sussex
  • Carrying more than 500,000 passengers
  • Serving 180 stations and covering 540 miles of track
  • 399 trains
  • Over 4,500 employees
  • 140mph top speed on the UK’s first domestic highspeed service

Our trains

  • Mainline trains throughout Kent are Bombardier Class 375, 376 and 377 Electrostars.
  • Metro trains on the inter-city London routes are Class 465 and 466 Networkers and Class 376 Electrostars.
  • High speed trains from Kent to St Pancras International are Hitachi-Class 395 trains.
  • Our City Beam trains were introduced in September 2021 onto the Grove Park, Hayes and Dartford lines.

Keeping you informed

We know that you want access to timely, relevant, and accurate information to be able to plan your journey, this becomes even more important when things don’t go to plan and there is some disruption.

As part of the Smarter Information, Smarter Journeys programme, Southeastern are working with the wider rail industry to continually improve the ways we supply you with travel information.

Visit our transparency page to find out more

Getting better, year on year

We work with Network Rail to make our network more reliable. Every year, we report on how we’re performing, what we’ve achieved, and what our plans are for the year ahead.

Download our Joint Performance Strategy PDF

We try hard to make sure your trains run on time – and we’re improving. To see how we’re doing, check out our punctuality results.


Bringing people together

Our top priorities are improving trains and stations and increasing services. But that’s not all we’re doing. Here are some other priorities:

  • Improving safety and security
  • Developing and training our employees
  • Reducing energy use and recycling waste
  • Supporting local communities

Inclusion and diversity

Our commitment to diversity, starts at the top, making our business stronger, smarter and more sustainable. We have introduced sector leading diversity targets to support our goals and are working extensively to attract and develop women in all roles.

Download our Gender Pay Gap report PDF


Recent industry awards for Southeastern

Rail Business of the Year – Rail Business Awards 2023

Top employer of the Year – Women in Rail Awards 2022


Questions about our services?

Get in touch