Overview
- Service changes take effect Sunday 14 December, with journey planners updated, advance fares on sale, and advice to check journeys, reserve seats and follow luggage guidance.
- Trains are expected to be busiest on 22–23 and 27–28 December, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, with an earlier finish on Christmas Eve and no services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
- From 27 December to 4 January, track renewal will affect London Paddington routes, with no direct services to Cheltenham Spa and advised changes at Swindon or Bristol Parkway.
- Between 24 and 31 December, services west of Cardiff Central will divert via Ninian Park, adding a few minutes to journeys.
- GWR’s three remaining Castle Class sets make their final runs on Saturday 13 December, with other units including recommissioned Class 175s to be phased in through 2026.