It’s nearly Christmas. The shops are rammed, the mince pies already taste a bit suspicious, and every TV advert is competing to either tug on your heartstrings or sell you a sofa before the 25th. Which can only mean one thing. The great Christmas getaway is officially warming up.
Maybe you’re gearing up for the long trip home, maybe you’re cramming in one last week of work before the break, or maybe you’re clutching your TrainSplit app and attempting to outsmart the festive timetable. Wherever you’re at, we wanted to wish you a happy Christmas in advance and share a few practical pointers before the season goes into full whirlwind mode.
Let’s keep it simple.
Got your tickets yet?
If not, now is the moment. Mid December fares love to creep up and trains get busier by the day. Lock in your split tickets through TrainSplit and avoid the classic “I’ll do it next week” regret. And ignore anyone who insists “no one travels until the 23rd.” People travel constantly. The trains know it. So do we.
Travelling soon?
Here’s your warm up checklist before peak madness kicks in.
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Charge your phone
Your e-tickets are only useful if your phone is awake. Give it a full charge before you leave and keep a power bank handy. A dead battery on a December platform is a Christmas tradition we do not recommend.
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Keep an eye on live updates
Weather, engineering works and pre-Christmas rush hours can nudge services off schedule. TrainSplit tracks your train in real time, so you know what’s happening before you even step onto the platform.
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Leave more time than you think
Even mid December gets busy. Stations fill up, platforms crowd faster and connections feel tighter. Add a buffer now and you’ll thank yourself later.
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Bring an extra layer
British stations in December have two moods. Antarctic Research Base or Mild Sauna. There is no reliable middle setting. Dress in layers and pretend you’re prepared for both.
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Double check your tickets
Advance fares lock you to specific trains. Flexible tickets and many split combos give you more breathing room. Always check the details before you set off to avoid a festive headache.
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Travelling with gifts?
Padding is your friend. Chocolate melts, bottles clink and oddly shaped presents can raise eyebrows. Keep fragile things safe and maybe save the wrapping until you arrive.
If things go wrong
Delays and cancellations do happen at Christmas, so it’s worth knowing the basics before you travel. Always re-check your train times on the day, as services can change due to engineering work or winter disruption. If your first train is delayed and causes you to miss a connection, you’re entitled to take the next valid service under the National Rail Conditions of Travel. This protection applies even when you’ve used split tickets.
If a train has been cancelled or rescheduled after you booked, your original tickets remain valid on the next available service with the same train company, and staff should help you continue your journey. In more severe disruption, operators may arrange alternative transport, such as taxis or hotels, when required.
If you arrive late at your destination, you may be eligible for Delay Repay compensation from the train company responsible for the delay. If you decide not to travel because of disruption, you may be able to claim a refund for unused tickets.
For full details and guidance, check out this page.
Image credit: Magda Ehlers | Canva Pro
The Christmas characters you will definitely meet on a train
A few festive favourites:
The Overly Ambitious Packer
Carries three suitcases, fourteen gifts and a plant for reasons unknown.
The Seat Saver General
Claims entire rows using one scarf.
The Christmas Phone Shouter
Tells everyone on the train what they are having for dinner.
The Silent Biscuit Sharer
Appears during delays offering biscuits to strangers because we all need kindness at Christmas.
Spot them all and consider yourself officially on holiday.
TrainSplit’s mini Christmas bingo
Tick these off during your journey.
[ ] Someone running for the train with a glittery bag
[ ] A child wearing reindeer antlers
[ ] Someone saying “is this the quiet coach” while being very loud
[ ] A mince pie being eaten before noon
[ ] Someone who definitely packed too many coats
If you get all five, treat yourself to a hot chocolate.
Cosy things to do on the train
If you have got a long ride ahead, you can:
• Make a Christmas playlist
• Watch the countryside go by and pretend you’re in a festive film
• Plan next year’s trips using TrainSplit
• Snack strategically
• Let yourself switch off and enjoy the forced downtime
Make travel even easier this Christmas
If you’re planning another trip soon, a digital Railcard is a simple win. Buy it through TrainSplit and keep everything ready inside the app when you travel. No plastic cards, no paperwork, just instant savings you can use straight away.
Thank you for choosing to book with us this year, for your patience during the busy moments, and for trusting us to help you navigate the festive rail maze. Your messages, your feedback and your sense of humour during delays genuinely mean a lot to us.
We hope the run up to Christmas stays calm, your journeys go smoothly and your break is warm and restful. Enjoy the mince pies, enjoy the downtime, and enjoy the small win of being prepared while everyone else is still figuring out their plans.
Wherever you’re heading, we’re glad to have played a small part in getting you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make Christmas train travel easier?
Planning ahead makes the biggest difference. Keep an eye on live updates in the TrainSplit app, arrive earlier than usual, and expect busy platforms. Winter services can run differently, so checking in real time helps you stay one step ahead.
Does TrainSplit work during Christmas and winter disruption?
Yes. TrainSplit shows real-time running information, platform updates, and split-ticket options. If your first train is delayed, your rights under the National Rail Conditions of Travel still apply.
What happens if my train is delayed and I miss a connection?
If a delay on your earlier train causes you to miss a connection, you can take the next valid service that matches your route and operator restrictions. This protection applies even if you used split tickets.
Are split tickets still valid if trains are disrupted?
Yes. If your itinerary was valid when purchased, your split tickets are treated as one continuous journey. You’re also covered by standard disruption rights, including possible Delay Repay depending on the operator and delay length. More info here.
Is it worth buying a digital Railcard for Christmas travel?
A digital Railcard gives up to a third off fares and works instantly in the TrainSplit app. It’s a simple way to save on both festive and year-round trips.
How can I stay warm while waiting for winter trains?
Dress in layers, carry gloves, and keep your phone charged so you can access e-tickets without worrying about battery drain. Many stations get colder than expected in December.
Are train stations busier during Christmas week?
Yes. The days leading up to Christmas and just after Boxing Day are the busiest. Allow extra time to move between platforms and make connections.
Can I still claim a refund if I choose not to travel?
Refund availability depends on your ticket type. Most Advance fares are non-refundable unless specific conditions apply. Flexible tickets offer more options, but always check your fare rules before travelling.