Christmas & New Year Train Travel

Planning to travel by train over Christmas or New Year? Whether you’re heading home, exploring festive markets, or celebrating with friends, EMR is here to help you plan your journey with confidence.

EMR services are open to book for the 2026 festive season. Please be aware no services will operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day with reduced services on surrounding days. Amendments to our services can be found below.

As always, we recommend to check before you travel for any changes and live updates.

Passenger assistance available as normal on days where services exist. Find out more about Passenger Assistance

Thursday

24 December - Christmas Eve

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Trains do run on Christmas Eve but generally finish earlier. Last trains normally depart between 7-9pm.

Check your journey

Friday

25 December - Christmas Day

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No trains run in the UK on Christmas Day, including EMR services.

Stations will be closed, and trains will not operate.

Saturday

26 December - Boxing Day

X
No EMR trains run on Boxing day.

Sunday

27 December

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Normal timetable running
Services are expected to be extremely busy due to the reduced service on Sundays, if you are travelling please allow extra time to complete your journey.

Monday

28 December

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Normal timetable running
Services are expected to be busier than usual, if you are travelling please allow extra time to complete your journey.

Tuesday

29 December

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Normal timetable running
Services are expected to be busier than usual, if you are travelling please allow extra time to complete your journey.

Wednesday

30 December

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Normal timetable running
Services are expected to be busier than usual, if you are travelling please allow extra time to complete your journey.

Thursday

31 December - New Year's Eve

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While EMR trains run on New Year’s Eve, services will usually end earlier in the evening than on a normal day.
If you’re heading to New Year’s celebrations, make sure to check your last train home in advance.
Check your journey

Friday

1 January - New Year's Day

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A reduced service runs on New Year’s Day across some EMR routes.
Check your journey

Saturday

2 January

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Normal timetable running

More information

For more information, including last minute alterations, you can find a detailed breakdown at National Rail Enquiries .

Festive Train Travel FAQs

No, there are no EMR or UK rail services on Christmas Day. All stations will be closed, and trains will not operate.

Yes, EMR trains do run on Christmas Eve, but services finish earlier than normal, with the last trains usually departing in the early evening. Always check your last train time before you travel.

No, EMR does not operate on Boxing Day. The UK rail network is largely closed, so plan to travel before or after 26th December instead.

Yes, EMR services resume on 27th December, though a revised timetable may be in place and some routes could be affected by engineering works.

Yes, EMR trains run on New Year’s Eve, but services may end earlier than normal. Make sure you know your last train home.

A reduced service may run on some EMR routes on New Year’s Day. Check your journey before travelling to avoid delays or cancellations.

You can use EMR’s live journey planner or mobile app to check the latest train times and find your last available service.

Yes. Railcards are valid throughout the festive period on EMR services, helping you save on seasonal travel.

If your journey has been disrupted you can use alternative services or get a refund. Read our Travel disruption options page for more information.