Merseyrail Christmas Timetable Changes: What You Need to Know for Your Holiday Travel in Liverpool

Published on December 24, 2025

Merseyrail has issued a travel warning to passengers, highlighting significant changes to its timetable during the Christmas period. While the rail service will continue operating every day, there will be key adjustments, including earlier finishes on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, as well as special services for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Travelers are advised to plan ahead to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth holiday commute.

Key Timetable Changes for Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve

For those traveling in and around Liverpool during the festive season, Merseyrail has made several modifications to its usual schedule to accommodate the holiday period. Starting with Christmas Eve, services will finish earlier than usual, with trains stopping at approximately 8.30 pm. Merseyrail has reminded passengers of these adjustments, advising them to plan accordingly.

On Christmas Day, there will be no trains running, as is customary across the UK’s rail network. Travelers planning on visiting family or enjoying Christmas festivities in the city should make alternative arrangements for transport.

The Boxing Day timetable will see a special 30-minute service running from 9.30 am to 7 pm, calling at selected stations on all lines. This service has been designed to accommodate those still looking to travel, especially for the popular Boxing Day racing event at Aintree racecourse. This special service will also ensure that those wishing to explore Liverpool or attend events can still use the Merseyrail network.

On New Year’s Eve, trains will again finish earlier, with services concluding at 8.30 pm. This will provide ample time for passengers to celebrate the incoming year while avoiding travel disruptions late in the evening. Similarly, New Year’s Day will see a Sunday-level timetable, with trains running every 30 minutes across the network to cater to those traveling on the first day of the year.

Impact on Business and Leisure Travel

For both business travelers and tourists, these changes may affect plans, particularly on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve. Business travelers who may have late meetings or events in Liverpool should be aware of the earlier finish times and may need to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Tourists, especially those attending events like the Boxing Day races at Aintree, will benefit from the special Boxing Day service, but should plan ahead as the services will be more limited than usual. Likewise, visitors planning to explore Liverpool or attend New Year’s Eve events should take into account the earlier train finishes on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to avoid getting stranded.

Quick Tips for Travelers

To make the most of the changes and avoid any travel headaches over the Christmas period, Merseyrail advises the following:

1. Check the Timetable: Make sure to check the updated schedules ahead of time to ensure your travel plans align with Merseyrail’s adjusted timetable. You can find up-to-date information on the official Merseyrail website or mobile app.
2. Plan for Early Finishes: Remember that services will finish earlier on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at around 8.30 pm. If you are traveling later, make alternate plans, such as using buses or taxis.
3. Use Boxing Day Services Wisely: If you’re planning to visit Aintree or explore Liverpool on Boxing Day, ensure that you’re aware of the special 30-minute services running from 9.30 am to 7 pm. These services will only stop at select stations, so be sure to know your departure station.
4. Alternative Transport on Christmas Day: On Christmas Day, there will be no trains, so be sure to book other transport options, like local buses or taxis, in advance if you need to travel.
5. Be Prepared for Crowds: With the festive services running at reduced frequencies, especially on New Year’s Day, expect higher than usual demand on Merseyrail trains. Arriving early will help you secure a seat.
6. Verify Your Destination: Ensure that your station is included in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day service routes. Some stations may not be served during the special holiday services.

More Information for Tourists

For tourists visiting Liverpool during the festive season, there’s still plenty to enjoy despite the temporary changes in train schedules. Liverpool Christmas markets, popular cultural events, and world-class museums like the Merseyside Maritime Museum and The Beatles Story offer festive activities perfect for all ages. While Merseyrail may be running a limited schedule, the city’s atmosphere will be lively, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions open.

Conclusion: Planning Ahead for a Smooth Holiday Experience

Merseyrail’s timetable adjustments over Christmas and New Year’s are designed to accommodate the reduced travel demand during the holiday period while still providing essential services for passengers. By staying informed about the changes and planning ahead, business travelers and tourists can navigate their way around Liverpool smoothly. For anyone attending special events, like the Boxing Day races at Aintree, the special services will ensure you can still get to your destination. As always, checking the updated timetables and allowing extra travel time will help avoid unnecessary stress during this busy time of year.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated