LNER Tackles Traffic Jam Frustrations

The work by McCann London continues its 'freedom all the way' platform

By Creative Salon

10 February 2026

LNER is continuing the story of its distinctive red-haired brand character Eleanor. In a bold new execution by McCann London, LNER takes on the frustration of motorway traffic jams, and champions the ease, comfort and freedom of long-distance train travel.

Embracing LNER’s ‘freedom all the way’ brand platform, the campaign sees mascot, Eleanor, find her voice and use it to remind customers that they don’t need to put up with slow moving traffic when they can get there faster and receive star treatment as standard on LNER trains.

The hero TV ad shows Eleanor leading people away from the frustration of traffic jams. Serenading passengers with a re-work of John Baptiste’s ‘Freedom’, Eleanor showcases some of many the things train travel makes possible: socialising, scenic sheep watching, chilling out with a coffee and precious time for yourself.

John Galloway, Head of Marketing, LNER said: "At LNER, we're passionate about making train travel easier, better and even more enjoyable. This campaign celebrates some of the many freedoms our customers experience when travelling with us—whether it's escaping the stress of traffic jams, relaxing in comfort, or making the most of every moment along the way. Brought to life wonderfully by our very own cheerleader of freedom, Eleanor.”

The campaign marks the second year of the creative partnership between the train operator and McCann. As part of their strategic creative work, McCann has evolved LNER’s Eleanor’s character, giving her a voice that reflects LNER’s ethos of freedom and an accent grounded in LNER’s own Newcastle roots.

Jon Elsom, Executive Creative Director, Global Brands, at McCann London said: "It's always rewarding to give a fresh new voice to a brand, and we've done exactly that here, giving our irrepressible Eleanor her own voice for the first time. We're hoping people who are opting to use other modes of transport make a new and deeper connection with LNER when they watch Eleanor making a song and dance about the glorious freedoms of rail travel."

The campaign launched on Sunday 8th February across TV, OOH, radio OLV, cinema and social. With hero sites in key cities on the LNER route - London, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and Leeds.

The media planning and buying was handled by Manning Gottlieb OMD.

Credits:

McCANN

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR - Jon Elsom

CREATIVE DIRECTORS - Jonathan Benson & Mic Perrina

BUSINESS DIRECTOR - Amy Hillier

STRATEGY DIRECTOR - Kayley Almond

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR - Zoe Pangalos

ACCOUNT MANAGER - Lily Nunn

HEAD OF PRODUCTION & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Charlotte Hopkins

SENIOR PRODUCER - Sam Debock

PROJECT MANAGERS - Dan Karling & Neha Rahane