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Tuesday 21 Oct 2025

Railway in the west open for business over Christmas but passengers urged to plan ahead

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Trains will continue to operate as normal for most passengers across the west this Christmas, but passengers are being urged to plan their journey before travelling and book ahead if possible.

While some repairs and improvements are scheduled across the network over Christmas and New Year when passenger numbers are typically much lower, the impact of this year’s engineering work is less than in previous years.

From Saturday 27 December to Sunday 4 January, track renewal work will affect some train services to/from London Paddington and trains will run to an amended timetable because only two out of four tracks will be available. As a result some trains are expected to be busier than normal, and no direct services will run between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa. Passengers can change at Swindon or Bristol Parkway.

As usual, no train services will operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Journey planners are up to date with information covering Christmas and New Year to help passengers find out service information. Advance fares are already on sale at GWR.com.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route managing director, said:                                                                                   

“Far fewer people travel by rail between Christmas and New Year compared to a normal working week, which gives us a valuable opportunity to deliver major upgrades for passengers whilst causing as little disruption as possible.

“Trains will continue to run across the vast majority of the Western route over the festive period but some services will be affected by our engineering work, so please make sure to plan ahead through National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator.”

GWR’s Richard Rowland said:

 “We’re working hard to keep everyone moving this Christmas and to help get you where you need to be.

“Please be aware though that services will be really busy immediately before Christmas, and we also have some engineering work taking place immediately after – so book ahead for the best value, and plan your journey accordingly.”

Network Rail will also be continuing work required for the construction of HS2’s Old Oak Common station in west London, with a particular focus on installing overhead electrical equipment which powers trains.

ENDS