Opening of the Chinnor Independent Line 5 and 6 July

We are celebrating something we have been working towards for many years, the public opening of the Chinnor Independent Line. Would you like to join us?

Opened in 1872, the line between Chinnor and Princes Risborough was finally closed under British Rail in 1989 and became derelict. Part was re-opened by volunteers from the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Association from the 1990s, but for the final kilometre into Princes Risborough its trains have diverted since 2018 via an adjacent siding owned by Network Rail.

Volunteers from the heritage railway have worked to completely relay the derelict track. Known as the 'Chinnor Independent Line' this major operation has been funded through donations, grants and sponsorship. This event marks the completion of the reopening of the line, an objective of the Association since it was formed 36 years ago.

On the Chinnor Independent Line itself this is also the resumption of passenger trains after a short service disruption since 1957! 

So, to mark and suport the opening of this new section of track - and much more - visitors will be invited to ride the steam and vintage diesel trains running over the new stretch of line on the weekend of July 5th and 6th and afterwards. 

See here for more background on the project. 

Fares

No seat reservations are required. Your ticket is valid on every train and all day long. 

Adult, Concession, Resident and Child tickets may be purchased at station ticket offices (prices below)

• Adult (16-59 yrs) £16
• Concession (senior 60+ yrs, Adult National Railcards) £14
• Resident (adult, concession or senior living in postcodes OX39 or HP27) £11
• Kids-for-a-Quid (Accompanied 3-15 years maximum 2 children per adult/concession/resident ticket holder) £1
• 0-2 yrs Free (no ticket required)
  

or online until 14.00 on the day of travel. Online the 'adult' ticket is generally £1 cheaper than buying at stations (plus a £2 booking fee per transaction).

You can join at either Chinnor or Princes Risborough stations. For car parking and public transport see the section on Arriving. Choose your seats, sit back and relax as the scenery gently unfolds past your window - you may spot some of our local wildlife and perhaps the red kites whirling overhead! For further information see our Journey Guide.

Other Concessions - we accept HRA privilege cards, TOC/Network Rail privilege cards, Members cards and Directors passes. These tickets are only available on the day of travel at station ticket offices. 

As we are anticipating large numbers of travellers, especially for the first train, we would prefer it if members (who have concessionary travel on other dates) avoid these days. 

Single tickets (for travel in one direction) are only available on the day of travel at station ticket offices - adult (16-59 yrs) £12, concession £10, accompanied child £1.

Less-able concessionary tickets - for visually impaired or those whose disability necessitates a carer. Tickets for the less-able person and one accompanying carer travelling together are only available at station ticket offices for a total cost of £16. 

Accessiblity and wheelchair users - we welcome all visitors to the railway, including those who are less able with their carer or assistance dog. Wheelchair spaces are limited to one per journey and reservations for your wheelchair must be booked online. One wheelchair user plus companion costs £15 (plus £2 booking fee) for the return trip, total cost £17. 

Well-behaved small dogs are always welcome and travel Free - they must be kept on a short lead and must NOT be allowed on the seats. Do bring a blanket for them to sit on the floor. 

Buggies and strollers CANNOT be accommodated on the trains. They may be left on the station platform or in your vehicle.

Timetable

For 5 July 

 For 6 July 

Food and drink

The station café at Chinnor serves teas, coffees, soft drinks and bottled water. We also have a selection of freshly made sandwiches and baps together with hot sausage rolls and pasties, homemade cakes, biscuits, crisps etc.

A trolley service of tea, coffee and snacks will also be available.

Other local things to see and do 

If you are looking for something more to do in Chinnor village or Princes Risborough town, or in the local area - see our What to see and do section.