With Christmas fast approaching, passengers planning festive journeys across the UK should be aware of changes to train schedules over the holiday period.
The festive period is traditionally a time of reduced rail services due to operational adjustments, maintenance work, and public holidays.
Will Santa’s Sleigh be the only transport running on Christmas Day? Here’s an overview of what to expect for train travel this year:
Trains on Christmas Eve: 24 December 2024
Train services on Christmas Eve will initially operate as usual but will end earlier than normal. Most last trains will depart between late afternoon and early evening, so passengers are advised to check their specific routes and book tickets in advance. Services are also likely to be busy, so it is recommended to reserve a seat where possible.
For those leaving London for Christmas, National Rail has published a list displaying the last direct trains to various destinations. This includes the 14:00 to Aberdeen, the 15:48 to Hull, the 18:13 to Manchester Piccadilly, the 18:56 to Birmingham New Street, the 19:48 to Cardiff Central and the 20.03 to Exeter St Davids. The complete list can be viewed here.
No Trains on Christmas Day: 25 December 2024
As is customary, no trains will run on Christmas Day across the UK. Travellers will need to make alternative arrangements, such as carpooling, or using coach services. Both National Express and FlixBus are running services on Christmas Day.
Limited Trains on Boxing Day: 26 December 2024
On Boxing Day, train services will remain very limited. Some operators, such as those serving major airports may run special services:
- Heathrow Airport will not be served by the Heathrow Express (until 30 Dec) or Elizabeth line services, but London Underground services will operate
- A service operated by Southern will stop at London Gatwick Airport, but Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Western Railway trains will not run
- Stansted Express trains will serve London Stansted Airport between the airport and Tottenham Hale station in London, but no CrossCountry service will operate
Additionally, certain urban areas may see limited local services, but the national rail network will largely remain inactive.
Trains on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Eve, trains will generally follow a normal weekday or Saturday schedule, but some routes will finish earlier than usual. Passengers returning home after midnight celebrations should check for late-night or early-morning services, as these are likely to be limited.
On New Year’s Day, a Sunday or reduced schedule will typically be in place, with services starting later in the morning.
Rail Engineering Works During the Christmas Period
Major engineering works often take place during the Christmas period on days when the network sees lower passenger demand.
The impact of this year’s work will be reflected in Journey Planners. Key projects will impact:
- Journeys between London St Pancras International and Bedford (21 to 29 December)
- The London Paddington area (27 to 29 December)
- Services at London Liverpool Street (27 December to 1 January)
- Trains operating in the Cambridge area (27 December to 5 January)
- Rail services in the Crewe area (27 December to 2 January)
London Euston station is also anticipated to be extremely busy over the festive period, with extra passengers from diverted Great Western Railway services.
Passengers are urged to consult their train operators for detailed information and plan journeys well in advance, as well as check for up-to-date information nearer the time.
Ultimately, although trains are a convenient way to travel during the festive season, reduced services mean careful planning is essential.
