Festive train travel guide

Ready for Christmas? Don't let the thought of busy stations and last-minute ticket scrambles dampen your festive cheer.

This essential festive train travel guide is your ticket to a stress-free journey. We’ve packed it with money-saving tips, route inspiration, and expert advice to ensure your UK train travel runs as smoothly as possible. Let the celebrations start the moment you step onto the platform!

How to book cheap Christmas train tickets 👇

Get savvy this season and save money on your train travel, meaning you can spend more on you and yours:

Book in advance

Secure your Advance tickets ASAP. The earlier you book, the more you save on top destinations. This is the greatest gift for your travel budget!

Travel Off-Peak

Spend less on travel and more on festive fun in the run-up to Christmas when you travel off-peak: on evenings, weekends and after the morning commute.

Take the slower train

Consider a slower route for significant savings. Use the extra time to relax, watch a festive movie, or complete your Christmas gift list!

Use GroupSave

The more the 'merrier' - and the cheaper! Save 1/3 when you travel in groups of 3-9 people using Groupsave.

Get a Railcard

Give yourself the gift of travel savings all year round. Buy or renew your railcard and save 1/3 on your train fare.

Claim discounts on days out

Your train ticket is your key to unlocking seasonal savings to top attractions. Make your festive day out even better with a sleigh full of 2-for-1 offers and 1/3 off admission.

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Festive train travel tips

A little preparation goes a long way on the railway during the festive season. Plan ahead and follow our top tips for festive train travel

illustrated stop watch

Check timetables

Timetables are changing on 14 December 2025. Make sure to check your service before you travel.

Find out more
LNR class 730/2 pulling into platform

Plan ahead

Read through our festive travel advice before you travel. We've listed any service changes and planned engineering works in one place.

Festive travel advice
Winter Wonderland branded coffee cup

Beat the crowds in London

Planning a trip to Winter Wonderland or just want to see London lit up to the nines? We've crunched the numbers to predict the quietest and busiest days for travel.

Get the full scoop
Parent and two children on station platform

Travelling with children at Christmas

Make festive journeys with little ones feel magical and manageable. Kids under 5 travel free, and those aged 5-15 are usually 50% off.

Read our guide
Passenger with priority seat card

Book assistance ahead

Whether it’s help with boarding, navigating stations, or getting settled onboard, we’re here to help. Book Passenger Assist at least 2 hours before you travel using the app or our website.

Passenger assist
Chocolate Labrador on lead on train

Travelling with pets

Four-legged friends are welcome aboard with LNR. Travel with up to two small animals, keep paws off seats, and make sure dogs are kept on leads for a smooth train trip.

Pet policy
passenger putting bag on overhead storage on train

Pack light, travel bright

Leave the giant sack to Santa. Keep things simple this festive season by packing light, and be sure to label your gifts in case they get separated during your journey.

Luggage policy
Passenger speaking to LNR staff member

Kindness is key

Railway staff are working hard to ensure everyone has a safe journey home. Being patient, following safety announcements and sharing festive spirit goes a long way!

Safety on the railway

Festive travel inspiration

Get out on our network and into the festive spirit, with plenty of attractions, sparkling lights and festive events this season.

No, no London Northwestern Railway services will run on Christmas Day (25 December).

See our full travel advice for the festive period here

No, no London Northwestern Railway services will run on Boxing Day (26 December).

See our full travel advice for the festive period here

Yes, most services will be running, but on an amended timetable with some key changes (27 Dec, 2025 – 2 Jan, 2026).

This period is when Network Rail will be undertaking major upgrade and engineering work, meaning you must check your journey as it may be affected:

Engineering Works: Bus replacements will operate between Milton Keynes Central and Northampton for several days, which impacts all journeys on the West Coast Main Line to/from London Euston via this route.

Reduced Frequency: Expect services to run on a reduced timetable between major hubs like Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street.

London Euston, Birmingham, and Liverpool remain accessible, but you should plan your journey early to confirm exact timings, platform numbers, and bus connection points.

Find full festive travel advice for our services here.

Services will run to a reduced timetable and will have an earlier shutdown in the evening. Please plan your journey in advance to avoid disappointment.

See our full travel advice for the festive period here

You can still reach all major LNR destinations, including:

  • London Euston (with planned diversion/bus replacement in some sections).
  • Birmingham New Street and regional West Midlands stations.
  • Liverpool Lime Street (with reduced service frequency).

The key is to use the online journey planner for any trip between 27 December and 2 January to account for the necessary engineering upgrades.

See our full travel advice for the festive period here

Services will operate to a special Sunday/Bank Holiday timetable, meaning trains will start up later in the morning than usual. Check your first available train time before setting out.

See our full travel advice for the festive period here