You’re probably thinking, why the heck are they talking about Christmas already?
We know. It’s early. Christmas is still 74 days away. Yes, someone counted.
But some early birds are already thinking ahead, and if you’re watching the pennies, that’s probably no bad thing. The early bird gets the worm. Or the cheaper train ticket, in this case.
And yep, you can already book some Christmas train travel.
Can I book Christmas trains now?
Depends where you’re going.
Train timetables are normally confirmed around 12 weeks ahead, but Christmas, engineering works and timetable changes can mean tickets for some routes are released later.
Some operators are already well into Christmas with their bookings. GWR has some services open into January, while LNER, CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway are currently open to around 19–25 December, depending on the day.
Others aren’t that far ahead yet.
So if your train isn’t showing, don’t panic. It might just not be on sale yet.
National Rail keeps a handy list of how far ahead each train company is taking bookings.
So, what’s happening with trains over Christmas?
National Rail has also published its Christmas travel info for 24 December to 4 January.
A few dates to watch:
- Christmas Eve: many trains finish earlier than normal.
- Christmas Day: no National Rail services.
- Boxing Day: most operators won’t be running.
- New Year’s Eve: some trains finish earlier than normal.
- Engineering work and timetable changes will affect some journeys.
There’ll also be engineering work and timetable changes, including major work at Birmingham New Street from 24 to 28 December.
More details are still being confirmed, so keep checking.
Check the latest Christmas travel information on National Rail
If you are booking early...
It can mean more choice and a better chance of finding a cheaper Advance fare.
TrainSplit will also check whether splitting your journey into separate tickets could save you a few quid. Same trains, same journey, we just do a bit more digging.
If you book with us and we’re told about a change to your booked train or engineering works affecting your journey, we’ll email you with what’s changed and your options, including how to get a refund if you need to rethink your plans.
You can also keep an eye on live running information in the TrainSplit app once it’s time to travel. Handy at the best of times, probably even handier at Christmas.
But still, check before you travel. Especially at Christmas.
Got a Railcard? Don’t leave it behind
If you’re booking Christmas travel, make sure you add your Railcard when you search.
You can buy a digital Railcard with TrainSplit and keep it handy on your phone, so there’s one less thing to remember when you’re juggling bags, presents and everything else.
Christmas train travel 2026 FAQs
Planning Christmas train travel 2026? Here are the useful bits on booking dates, Advance tickets, Christmas services, engineering works and what to check before you travel.
When can I book Christmas train tickets for 2026?
It depends on the train company and route. Timetables are normally confirmed around 12 weeks ahead, but Christmas, engineering works and timetable changes can mean some tickets are released later.
Are Christmas train tickets already on sale?
Yes, some Christmas 2026 journeys are already available to book, while others are not yet on sale. Check National Rail's Advance Booking Dates page for the latest booking horizon for each train company.
Why can't I book my Christmas train yet?
It doesn't necessarily mean the train isn't running. The timetable may still be awaiting confirmation, particularly where engineering works, bank holidays or other timetable changes are involved.
Is it cheaper to book Christmas train tickets early?
Booking early can give you a better chance of finding lower-priced Advance tickets, which are sold in limited numbers and subject to availability. TrainSplit can also check whether splitting your journey into separate tickets could save you money.
Do trains run on Christmas Eve 2026?
Yes, but services on many routes will finish earlier than normal on Thursday 24 December 2026. Check your entire journey before travelling rather than assuming the usual timetable will run.
Do trains run on Christmas Day 2026?
No. National Rail has confirmed there will be no National Rail services on Friday 25 December 2026.
Do trains run on Boxing Day 2026?
Most train operators are expected to have no service on Saturday 26 December 2026. A very limited service is expected from a small number of operators, with details to be confirmed.
Will there be engineering works over Christmas 2026?
Yes. Engineering and improvement works are planned across the railway, including major work affecting Birmingham New Street from 24 to 28 December 2026. More details will be confirmed nearer the time.
What happens if my booked TrainSplit journey changes?
If TrainSplit is notified by the train operator of a change to your booked train or engineering works affecting your journey, we'll email you with the information we've received and your options. This can include how to get a refund if you need to rethink your plans.
Should I check my Christmas train after I've booked?
Yes. Christmas timetables are still being finalised and can change, so check your whole journey again nearer the time and before setting off.
Can I use a Railcard on Christmas train tickets?
Eligible Railcard discounts can be applied to qualifying fares, subject to the usual Railcard terms and restrictions. Add your Railcard when searching and remember to carry the valid Railcard when you travel.
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