Overview
- Advance tickets are now available for travel through Christmas and into the New Year, with RDG urging passengers to secure seats early.
- Network Rail will close key sections including Milton Keynes–Rugby to 5 January, Preston–Carlisle from 31 December to 15 January, London Waterloo from late 24 to 28 December, and the Leeds–York main line until 3 January.
- Operators plan diversions and rail-replacement buses on affected corridors, and travellers are advised to confirm routes using National Rail Enquiries or operator sites.
- Analysis by the Independent predicts the busiest days before Christmas will include Saturday 20 and Monday 22 December, with quieter travel expected on 24 and 31 December and on New Year’s Day.
- New BSL-equipped Visual Disruption Map videos outline planned changes, while guidance highlights seat reservations, manageable luggage and very limited Boxing Day services after the Christmas Day shutdown.