Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable from 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable review.
The changes will see an uplift in CrossCountry services, including some additional services between Reading and Newcastle and between Birmingham and Leicester.
The introduction of CrossCountry’s December timetable coincides with a major industry-wide update to the timetable on the key East Coast Main Line corridor. This includes significant changes to services for other operators using the rail artery, which spans 393 miles between London and Edinburgh.
Overall, CrossCountry services will increase – with additional services on the busy Reading – Newcastle and Birmingham – Leicester routes across both weekdays and weekends. Passengers travelling on Sundays will also see more resilient and reliable services across the CrossCountry network.
However, significant engineering work across the network from Christmas 2025 until the end of January means the new timetable will not come into full effect until February 2026. Customers are encouraged to check journey planners for any changes to their usual travel plans.
Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry, said: “The December 2025 timetable marks the reintroduction of important CrossCountry services between Reading and Newcastle, as well as between Birmingham and Leicester. These changes will help us continue delivering reliable, comfortable journeys for our customers, while supporting the wider transformation of the timetable on the East Coast Main Line.”
The new timetable arrives as CrossCountry’s Class 170 “Turbostar” trains continue their rolling programme of refurbishment, with several refreshed vehicles already delivering brighter and more comfortable journeys for passengers on CrossCountry’s inter-regional routes.
The planned refurbishment of the CrossCountry’s long-distance Voyager fleet has also begun in earnest, with the first refurbished train scheduled to roll off the factory line by Spring 2026.
Those planning to travel from Sunday 14 December onwards can check their journeys with their train operator or through National Rail Enquiries.
Contact Information
CrossCountry Press Office
[email protected]About CrossCountry
CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.
For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains
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