The first train to depart anywhere in the UK for more than 24 hours left London Victoria just after 5am, destination Clapham Junction, East Croydon and Gatwick airport.
Soon afterwards, another link aimed at airline passengers started up – between Stansted airport in Essex and Tottenham Hale in north London. The normal terminus in the capital, Liverpool Street, is closed for the day – along with most other major stations across the UK.
