Customers are urged to plan ahead and book in advance for best Christmas train fares as a new timetable is announced.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) will introduce its new winter timetable from 14 December, with amendments made across the network designed to respond to changes in demand and improve the current service.
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 works is said to be less than previous years.
Journey planners are now up to date with fresh information covering Christmas and the New Year and advance fares are on sale.
GWR is advising those travelling this Christmas to book in advance and to try to travel at quieter times for the best experience.
To avoid busy trains, the rail network has the following advice:
• Services are expected to be busiest on 22, 23 December and 27, 28 December.
• Travel as early as you can for the most comfortable journey. Services between 1000 and 1400 GMT will be most in demand.
• Please be aware that rail services will shut down earlier on Christmas Eve. Check your journey in advance.
• As usual, no train services will operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
From 27 December to 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.
