Great Western Railway will start its new winter timetable from Sunday, 14 December 2025. Customers are also urged to plan and book in advance for the best Christmas fares.
*All details correct at time of publish (8 December 2025)
Amendments have been made across the network designed to respond to changes in demand and improve service performance.
As well as asking customers to check their journey times before the changes are in place, GWR is encouraging customers to book ahead and reserve their seats for the Christmas getaway.
Journey planners are up to date with information covering Christmas and the New Year, and Advance fares are already on sale at GWR.com
As part of the timetable change, GWR is retiring its three remaining Castle Class sets, which are now approaching 50 years old, with the last planned services expected to run on Saturday, 13 December.
These trains currently operate on local routes between Plymouth and Penzance. They will be replaced by GWR’s existing fleet, along with its recommissioned Class 175s, as the fleet is rolled out throughout 2026.
While 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 less than in previous years.
GWR is advising those travelling this Christmas to book in advance and to try to travel at quieter times for the best experience.
How to avoid busy trains?
- Services are expected to be busiest on Monday, 22 and Tuesda,y 23 December, and Saturda,y 27 and Sunday, 28 December
- Travel early for the most comfortable journey. Services between 1000 and 1400 will be most in demand
- Please be aware that rail services will shut down earlier on Christmas Eve. Check journey in advance
- As usual, no train services will operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Customers are also reminded to think carefully about their luggage and be considerate of others travelling over the festive period.
For more information, visit www.gwr.com.
