Planning on travelling this Christmas? Then the train will likely be one of the best options for you. It’s quick, convenient, affordable and doesn’t come with the hassle of driving during one of the busiest periods.

Before you travel, be sure to plan ahead and check our Christmas travel guide for tips and advice, from getting to your destination to saving money.

 

Christmas train schedules

Train timetables can vary over the Christmas period. Use our journey planner to check specific services before you buy your train tickets. You can also use the planned improvement works to see how your train travel could be impacted.

Do trains run on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most scheduled services do run on Christmas Eve, however, the last train times do vary per service. Check before travelling to see which trains are best to use.

Do trains run on Christmas Day?

No, trains don’t run on Christmas Day. All national rail networks and metros don’t run from late on Christmas Eve to the 27th.

Do trains run on Boxing Day?

Most trains don’t run on Boxing Day. In some cases, there may be exceptions; however, these are uncommon.

 

How to save on Christmas train travel

Here are our top tips for saving money when travelling at Christmas:

  • Buy your tickets early - you can buy your tickets up to 12 weeks in advance
  • Explore your railcard options - save around ⅓ on rail travel with a huge selection of railcards including options for young people, families and passengers aged 60 and over
  • Explore our ticket types - save on travel with our Family train ticket, Group tickets and more
  • Always buy direct - buy your ticket directly through us to avoid admin fees
  • Travel at quieter time - although Christmas travel is busy, try to choose off-peak tickets to save

 

Christmas train travel tips

Here are our top tips for travelling by train this Christmas:

  • Book early - buy tickets up to 12 weeks before you travel to secure your ticket
  • Travel light - try to avoid taking too much with you and limit your luggage
  • Book your seat - on services where you can, book your seat to avoid having to stand
  • Get to the station early - especially if you’re travelling with kids, being early for your train can really help, especially when it’s busy
  • Book assisted travel - if you need it, make sure to book your assisted travel as early as possible
  • Check before you travel - check the train updates before travelling and look for any disruptions
  • Plan your connection - whether you’re getting on a bus or getting a lift from the station, ensure you know how to make your connecting journey
  • Keep everyone entertained - whether you’re alone or travelling as a family, you could download a festive film, take a Christmas activity or plan a few festive games to keep everyone occupied along the way

 

Why travel by train at Christmas?

The train is a perfect way to get home for Christmas or to visit friends and family. That’s why it’s one of the busiest times of the year. Here are the best reasons to take the train:

  • Avoid the traffic - beat the traffic for hassle-free travel
  • No luggage limits - you’re not as limited to space, ideal if you have a few presents with you
  • Sit back and relax - take in the beautiful scenery of Wales and the UK whilst travelling
  • It’s eco-friendly - train travel is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get around
  • More time to spare - you can use your time on the train to write out Christmas cards or maybe even wrap some last minute gifts

 

When can I buy train tickets for Christmas?

Train tickets are released up to 12 weeks in advance, so you can buy your Christmas tickets from around the 20th of September onwards.