Changing trains: CrossCountry reminds customers of upcoming timetable change

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry is reminding customers of a new timetable arriving on Sunday 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable update.

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry is reminding customers of a new timetable arriving on Sunday 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable update.

The changes will see an uplift in CrossCountry services, including some additional services between Reading and Newcastle and between Birmingham and Leicester.

The regular update coincides with industry-wide changes on the East Coast Main Line, meaning significant alterations to services for other operators using the rail artery, which spans 393 miles between London and Edinburgh.

However, major engineering work across the network from Christmas 2025 until the end of January means the new timetable will not operate in full until February 2026. Customers are encouraged to check journey planners before travelling.

Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry’s Managing Director, 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.”

Though strikes by the RMT union at CrossCountry have now been called off, services in the run up to Christmas - especially after the new timetable is introduced - are expected to be increasingly busy.

Elsewhere, refurbishment programmes progress for both of CrossCountry’s train fleets. Several Class 170 “Turbostar” trains are already delivering brighter and more comfortable journeys for passengers on CrossCountry’s inter-regional routes, with the first refurbished long-distance Voyager train expected 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.