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Monday 16 Dec 2024

Special event at Cardiff Central marks return of direct services between Cardiff and Edinburgh

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Direct passenger services between Cardiff and Edinburgh returned today (Monday 16 December), with a special event to mark the launch of CrossCountry’s new weekday offering.

Almost four decades after it was last possible, passengers can now travel directly from Cardiff to Edinburgh once a day from Monday to Friday – the only direct train service connecting Wales, England and Scotland.

The occasion was marked by a rousing performance from the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, who sang a mix of hymns, Christmas carols and the national anthems of Wales, Scotland and England in the main concourse at Cardiff Central, before the 0945 service to Edinburgh departed Platform 2A on time.

Representatives from Network Rail, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales, as well as members of the male voice choir, were among those who cheered and applauded as the service left the Welsh capital bound for its Scottish counterpart.

The 455-mile journey connects 10 cities and 22 stations, and there will be one service in each direction between Cardiff and Edinburgh on weekdays.

Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “Today in South Wales, we have launched a significant timetable change with more frequent services and more consistent departure times, making it easier for people to use the train.

“In the run-up to this timetable change there was a lot of interest in one particular service: CrossCountry’s direct service from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

“It’s always positive to introduce a new service, especially one that connects people from Cardiff all the way through the Midlands and northern England to Scotland – making it easier for families to stay connected and for business travellers to get to work.

“The introduction of this service is a wonderful achievement, and it was fantastic to see the railway family here in force to celebrate.”

Scott Maynard, interim managing director for CrossCountry, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this new service joining Cardiff and Edinburgh directly by rail – meaning even more connections for customers across the length and breadth of the country.

“Thanks to colleagues across CrossCountry and the wider rail industry for their support in delivering these new services linking two of Great Britain’s capital cities, as well as many other key towns and cities in between.”