When to Book Train Tickets for the Festive Season: Your Ultimate Guide by Trainsplit

Pam

30 Sep 20247 min read

With only 55 days to go until Christmas, now is the perfect time to start planning your festive train travel. At Trainsplit, we’re dedicated to ensuring your journey is smooth and enjoyable. As the holiday season approaches, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your Christmas and New Year travels.

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Key Dates for Ticket Releases Across Train Operating Companies (TOCs)

Advance tickets and seat reservations for travel during the festive season will be available at different times across various TOCs.

Here’s a breakdown of when you can book:

Avanti West Coast:
- Saturday service: 7 December 2024
- Sunday service: 8 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 13 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 10 minutes before departure (subject to availability).
Caledonian Sleeper: Available now (12 months in advance).
Chiltern Railways:
- Saturday service: 30 November 2024
- Sunday service: 1 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 6 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 18:00 the day before travel.
CrossCountry:
- Saturday service: 7 December 2024
- Sunday service: 8 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 13 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 21:00 the day before travel (East to West routes) or 15 minutes before departure (North to South routes).
East Midlands Railway:
- Liverpool to Norwich/Skegness routes:
  - Saturday service: 14 December 2024
  - Sunday service: 15 December 2024
  - Monday to Friday service: 20 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 23:59 the day before travel.
Great Western Railway (GWR):
- Saturday service: 28 December 2024
- Sunday service: 29 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 3 January 2025
- Latest booking: Up to 2 minutes before departure.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER):
- Saturday service: 7 December 2024
- Sunday service: 8 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 13 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 23:59 the day before travel for early morning services, or 40 minutes before for others.
Northern:
- Saturday service: 14 December 2024
- Sunday service: 8 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 13 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 23:59 the day before travel.
TransPennine Express:
- Saturday service: 14 December 2024
- Sunday service: 8 December 2024
- Monday to Friday service: 13 December 2024
- Latest booking: Up to 23:59 the day before travel.

Why Book Early?

Booking your train tickets early during the festive season offers several benefits:

Lower Fares: Advance tickets are generally cheaper when booked early. Prices can rise sharply closer to your travel date due to high demand.
Guaranteed Seating: For TOCs that offer seat reservations, securing your ticket early ensures a reserved seat, which can be essential for long journeys during the busy festive period.
Avoid Last-Minute Disappointments: Tickets can sell out quickly during peak travel times. By booking as soon as tickets become available (often 12 weeks in advance), you can avoid last-minute stress.

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Festive Travel Peak Times to Avoid

Understanding peak travel times during the Christmas season can help you avoid higher fares and crowded trains. Generally, the busiest travel days are:

Friday, December 20th: The last Friday before Christmas is a peak travel day as many people finish work or school.
Saturday, December 21st: A popular travel day for weekend getaways and family visits.
Thursday, December 26th (Boxing Day): Limited services operate, but trains that do run are usually busy.
Friday, December 27th – Monday, December 30th: These are popular days for people returning from Christmas trips or heading out for New Year's celebrations.

Off-peak tip: Travelling earlier in the morning or late in the evening can help you avoid the crowds and save money.

Rail Strikes and Disruption Updates

The festive period can sometimes be affected by industrial action. Stay informed about any planned rail strikes during December and January that could impact your journey.

Check for strike action: Use the National Rail Enquiries website or follow your train operating company on social media for real-time updates on planned strikes.
What to do in case of disruptions: If there are strikes, you may be entitled to a refund or compensation through the Delay Repay scheme if you travelled and were delayed reaching your destination. The TrainSplit app will show any disruption alerts when you search for your journey, so you can plan accordingly.

Major Improvement Work

1. Engineering Projects: Network Rail will undertake significant engineering and improvement works over the festive season. While these projects are essential for enhancing future rail services, they may cause some disruptions to your journey.

2. Journey Planner Updates: Any impact from these works will be reflected in our Journey Planner and National Rail. For more detailed information, visit the National Rail website for updates on ongoing projects.

The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "TrainSplit" in your app store and download the app today.

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Planning Your Journey with TrainSplit

Cost Savings: TrainSplit helps you find the most cost-effective options by splitting your journey into multiple segments, often leading to significant savings compared to a single through ticket.
Explore Alternative Routes: If you’re not in a rush, our platform allows you to choose slower routes that may be more affordable.
Stay Updated with Service Changes: Keep an eye on your journey results for any updates. Changes or disruptions will be marked on the date picker during the booking process.

Discounts and Railcards

Maximise your savings during the Christmas season with the right discounts:

Digital Railcards: Save up to 1/3 on your journey with a railcard. For example, if you’re a frequent traveller or travelling with family, a Family & Friends Railcard or Two Together Railcard could save you money.
Groupsave fares: Many train companies offer GroupSave fares, which provide discounts for groups of 3-9 adults travelling together.
Children’s discounts: Under-5s travel free.

The TrainSplit app will help you find the best fares based on your group size and ages.

Avoid Engineering Works on Key Routes

Several major engineering works are planned over the festive season, particularly on routes serving London and other major cities. Check in advance to avoid delays or closed routes:

London Euston to Birmingham: Engineering work is planned on December 25th-26th.
Manchester to Leeds: Potential disruptions throughout the Christmas period due to improvements on the TransPennine route.
South Western Railway (SWR): Planned upgrades in the Southampton area could affect routes to the South Coast.

Check National Rail Enquiries or the TrainSplit app for updates on engineering works before booking your tickets.

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Buying a Digital Railcard

A digital railcard is a fantastic way to save money on your festive travels. With various types available, including the 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, and Family & Friends Railcard, you can enjoy up to 1/3 off your train fares. The beauty of a digital railcard is that it’s always at your fingertips—no need to carry a physical card. Simply download the Trainsplit app, purchase your digital card, and use it directly from your phone. It’s quick, convenient, and a great way to make your Christmas and New Year journeys more affordable.

Booking Accommodation

Planning a trip during the festive season often means finding suitable accommodation as well. Whether you’re looking for a cosy bed and breakfast, a luxury hotel, or a holiday rental, booking early is key. Many places offer special deals for early bookers, and securing your stay well in advance can help you avoid last-minute stress. Websites and apps make it easy to compare prices, read reviews, and book your ideal spot. Remember to check cancellation policies and consider travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes. By planning ahead, you can enjoy a comfortable stay and focus on enjoying your holiday season.

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Tips for Booking Cheap Xmas Train Tickets

Book Early: Securing your tickets early is the best way to get the best fares. The festive season is a peak travel time, and booking in advance helps you grab the best deals before they’re gone.
Be Flexible with Travel Times: If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours. Flexibility with your travel dates and times can often lead to more affordable fares.
Make the Most of Trainsplit: Our journey planner helps you find the cheapest journeys by splitting your journey into multiple tickets. This can result in significant savings, especially if you’re travelling during peak times.
Consider Slower Routes: While faster routes may seem appealing, sometimes taking a slower route can save you money. Trainsplit provides you with various travel options, so you can select the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Look for Group Discounts: Travelling with a group? Check for any Groupsave fares, which can make your journey more affordable.

By following these additional tips and taking advantage of Trainsplit’s features, you can make your Christmas and New Year travel smoother, more affordable, and stress-free. Be sure to book early, stay flexible, and check for any potential service disruptions so you can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.

Book Now and use the TrainSplit app to find the best deals, manage your journey, and stay informed about any service changes. Happy travels!

Download the Trainsplit app now and start planning your perfect festive getaway. With Trainsplit, you’ve got all the tools you need to find the best journey for your needs. Happy travels!

Note: Please be aware that while we aim to provide accurate information about ticket booking times and peak travel periods, some train operating companies (TOCs) may change their schedules. We recommend checking with your chosen TOC closer to your travel date for the latest updates. Additionally, unexpected disruptions, such as strikes or engineering works, can occur, so staying informed is crucial.

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