Christmas & New Year travel in 2024

You may be one of those people that doesn't like to hear the ‘C’ word until the beginning of December, but believe it or not, for others, the festive planning is already in full swing!

Even if you think it’s a bit early to write your Christmas card list or head into the loft to dig out the tinsel, it might be worth thinking about your Christmas train travel to ensure you sort out the times and tickets that you need.

December train travel can often be busy as people make their way to see friends and family all over the country so booking Christmas tickets in advance is often a very sensible idea, and there’s no time like the present (excuse the pun!).

Our Guide to Christmas Train Travel in 2024

Planning your Christmas train travel 

Plan and check your Christmas travel by checking our timetables and our Christmas trains & New Year travel in 2024 page. Important Christmas travel information may also show with a warning triangle as Service updates on your journey results

Christmas train times

Are trains running on Christmas Eve?

There will be no Grand Central services from Bradford to Kings Cross at 14:50, the 19:48 London Kings Cross to Bradford will also not be running on Christmas Eve (24th December). 

Are trains running on Christmas Day & Boxing Day?

Due to engineering work, there is a full Grand Service cancellation for trains on Christmas Day (25th December) and Boxing Day (26th December). 

Are trains running on New Year's Eve?

There will be a reduced service on New Year's Eve (31st December). This includes no Grand Central services from Bradford to Kings Cross at 14:50, and the 19:48 London Kings Cross to Bradford will also not be running. 

Christmas train time updates and Christmas travel disruptions

In case of any rare technical issues, please continue to check your journey until you are due to set off – this will give you a chance to adjust your journey plans in advance if necessary and avoid any last-minute disappointment.

How to buy cheap train tickets this Christmas

Wherever you’re heading this festive period, our cheap train tickets can help you get a Christmas train that suits your Christmas budget.

Advance Fares

Booking in advance has many benefits – mainly getting the times you want at the very best prices. Advance Fares are available up to 12 weeks in advance, which means you can now secure your tickets for the Christmas period.

If you are travelling between London and any of our calling points in Yorkshire and the North East, then it’s time to get organised and save money. Work out where you want to be and when you want to be there and let us arrange the rest. Limited availability on Advanced Fares means that we always recommend booking as far in advance as you possibly can for complete peace of mind.

Find out more about Advance Fares online or call our team on 0345 603 4852 to see how much you could save on your Christmas train tickets.

Group Travel

Christmas is often a time for groups of loved ones to get together and celebrate. Whether it’s a staff Christmas party or a family group heading to King’s Cross Station to get to the West End pantomime, there could be a time when you are all travelling together.

If there will be nine or more passengers in your group, then you can contact our Group Travel Service to get sorted. We will help you find the best value ticket options and help you secure the times you need to ensure you arrive with plenty of time. Plan your group train tickets now to avoid disappointment nearer the date.

Railcards to save you money on Christmas tickets

Many people use Railcards throughout the year to save money when travelling by train. And, now is a perfect time to see if you’re eligible so that you can save money on all your Christmas train journeys.

16-25 Railcard & 26-30 Railcard ready for Christmas travel

If you are aged 16-25 or 26-30, you can benefit from 1/3 off tickets with a Railcard and students can get a further 15% off with a valid NUS card, when booking Grand Central Advance tickets. So, whether you are travelling to see your friends in London for the party of the season or getting the train home to see your parents, your travel plans are sorted..

The Two Together Railcard for Christmas journeys

The Two Together Railcard is perfect for couples, siblings or best friends, who love to travel together frequently – especially around Christmas time when you can be together even more than usual. Plus, the Family & Friends Railcard is also very useful for discounts up to 1/3 off for up to 4 adults and 60% for kids on most journeys.

Sign up for ticket alerts

With ticket alerts, be the first to know when advance tickets go live for your chosen Christmas journey. When they do go live we will ping you an email when the Christmas tickets are available to buy. 

Split your tickets

Travelling home for Christmas with a friend or loved one? Our split Christmas tickets allow you to split your train journey into sections rather than buying one ticket, meaning you and the person you’re travelling with pay half each on a Christmas journey home

Split your train journey into sections rather than buying one ticket

Be sure to check out our Railcards page to see the full list of options available.

The best Christmas events to attend via train

Across the country, Christmas events will take place. These events included festive Christmas markets, winter walks and impressive Christmas light displays.

Ready for some festive travel? Check out our blog for some travel inspiration.

Christmas train travel advice 

Making your Christmas train journey as smooth and as safe as possible is important to us here at Grand Central.

Here are our top Christmas travel recommendations and FAQs for the festive season ahead. 

Christmas seat reservations & bike reservations.

Most seats and cycle storage spaces are available to reserve on Grand Central trains. However, there is the possibility that these seats may all be filled, particularly around the festive period.

In these situations you may not be able to board the train - to avoid this, please reserve seats beforehand.

Digital Christmas travel tickets

Bypass queues and ticket machines with digital tickets. This type of Christmas ticket is available on most routes and can be scanned directly from your mobile device - no printing is needed.

Download our train ticket app

On our app, you will receive up-to-date Christmas travel information before you travel and on the go. This travel information will include live train times, platform information and track your train.

Limiting your Christmas luggage

It is advised that you only bring on board what you can carry due to limited space on board the train.

If you’re wondering what you can bring on board, our guide ‘What can I take on the train?’ discusses this topic and the limitations in depth.

Book Christmas assisted travel ahead of your journey

If you’re looking for assisted travel on your Christmas journey, please view our Travel Assistance & Passenger Assist page.

Arrive early for your Christmas train

Please remember that doors can close up to 2 minutes before departure, due to this it is important to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the station and board the train. 

Book your Christmas train travel today

For smooth, stress-free, cheap Christmas train tickets, view what options we currently have available and book today.

Find out more about Christmas train travel in the UK by contacting our friendly team.