Christmas, New Year’s and Boxing Day trains 2024

Christmas Train Tickets Now Available 🎄

Joyful journeys are just a click away!

Morning with the kids, lunch with the in-laws, dinner with the family—amidst all the holiday hustle, why not make your travel one less thing to worry about? Secure your Christmas train tickets now and save up to 61% when you book in advance*. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free—just like unwrapping presents.

We’ve got every train, every route, and every fare lined up for you, so all that’s left is to plan the festivities.

Merry travels, happy savings!

Let’s Go, Ho, Ho!

When do trains run during Christmas?

• Christmas Eve – Tuesday, 24 December – Normal services, though they may end earlier.

• Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December – No trains operate on Christmas Day.

• Boxing Day – Tuesday, 26 December – No trains except limited airport transfers.

• New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, 31 December – Normal services, with some early finishes.

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January – Normal services, but with later starts.

How to Get Cheap Christmas Train Tickets

No matter where you’re headed this festive season, follow our top tips to save money on your journey:

• Book in Advance: Train tickets are usually available up to 12 weeks ahead. Early birds get the best prices, so lock in your travel plans as soon as possible!

• Upgrade with Seatfrog: Enter a Seatfrog auction to upgrade to First Class for a fraction of the cost – training home for Christmas in luxury!

• Secret Fare or Superfare: Get up to 50% off or up to 89% off of Standard Class tickets when you book in advance with Secret Fare or Superfare!

• Use a Railcard: Save 1/3 on most train fares with a Railcard. They’re just £30 a year and pay for themselves in no time.

Major Engineering Work During Christmas & New Year

Several key stations and lines will be affected by engineering works this holiday season:

• London Liverpool Street: Closed from 25th December to 2nd January. Greater Anglia and Stansted Express will operate from Stratford instead.

• London Paddington: Closed from 27th to 29th December. GWR services will run to alternative stations like Euston or terminate at Reading.

• Thameslink & East Midlands Railway: No services between St Pancras and Bedford/Harpenden due to engineering from 21st to 29th December.

• Crewe Station: Closed from 27th December to 3rd January, leading to limited services on the West Coast Main Line.

Christmas Day & Boxing Day Services

• Christmas Day: No trains operate across the UK, but National Express coaches are available to keep your plans on track.

• Boxing Day: Limited services, mainly for airport transfers like the Stansted Express. Check ahead with our Journey Planner.

New Year’s Travel

• New Year’s Eve: Most services will run, though they may finish earlier than usual. Plan ahead to avoid missing out on your celebrations.

• New Year’s Day: Expect a later start to services as train staff celebrate the New Year too! Use our Journey Planner for updated times.

Top Travel Tips for the Festive Season

• Seat Reservations: Some operators, like LNER, require seat reservations, while others recommend them. Don’t miss out—book in advance.

• Go Digital: Skip the queues and use digital tickets. They’re available for most routes and can be scanned from your phone.

• Limit Luggage: Bring only what you can carry—space is limited during busy periods.

• Assisted Travel: If you need assistance, make sure to book it at least six hours ahead of your journey.

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to board, as doors can close up to 2 minutes before departure.

Ready to Book?

Get your tickets home for Christmas today! Use our Journey Planner to find the best options for your festive travel.

Find & Book Tickets Now