UK Passengers Warned: Major Engineering Work by Network Rail to Disrupt Avanti West Coast Services This Christmas and New Year, Plan Ahead

Published on December 19, 2025

Passengers planning to travel during the Christmas and New Year period are being urged to check their travel plans in advance due to significant upgrade work being carried out by Network Rail. This essential engineering work will affect Avanti West Coast services between London Euston, the North West, and Scotland, with the works scheduled to take place from December 27 to January 14.

Planned Changes to Avanti West Coast Services

Avanti West Coast, which operates vital rail services connecting London with major cities in the North West and Scotland, has announced that its timetable will be amended during this period. The alterations will include changes to train schedules and some journeys will involve either a rail replacement service or alterations to the usual routes.

Chris Liptrot, Operations Director at Avanti West Coast, emphasized that passengers should anticipate these changes and plan their journeys accordingly. The disruption is expected to be particularly notable between December 27 and January 4, with major changes to services operating to and from London Euston. Customers should expect disruptions to their regular routes and take extra care when planning their travels.

Key Dates and Times Affected by Engineering Work

In addition to the changes in train schedules, there will also be specific alterations to the operating hours. Services will begin later than usual on both December 27 and January 1 as part of the revised schedule, giving passengers less time to travel on those days. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, services will finish earlier than usual, reducing the available travel hours for those planning to travel on those dates.

The engineering works, which are a vital part of maintaining and upgrading the rail network, will cause further disruption, particularly between December 27 and January 4. These works will primarily affect services to and from London Euston. Between January 1 and January 14, additional disruptions will impact services traveling between Scotland and the North West, potentially resulting in changes to the planned journey, or requiring passengers to use rail replacement bus services for part of their trip.

Advising Passengers to Plan Ahead and Check Before Travelling

Avanti West Coast has strongly advised customers to plan ahead for their travels, particularly during this busy holiday season. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest updates for their specific journey before they set off to avoid any unexpected delays or alterations. Given the complexity of the planned engineering works, passengers should be prepared for the possibility of disruptions and be mindful of alternative transport options, such as rail replacement buses.

For those traveling late in the evening, additional time should be allowed for their journeys. This is especially important for passengers who may be traveling during non-peak hours when services may be limited or altered. With the ongoing engineering works, flexibility and patience are recommended as passengers may face longer-than-usual journey times, particularly if changes to their services are necessary.

Flexibility with Peak Ticket Restrictions Lifted

In an effort to provide greater flexibility for passengers traveling during this period, Avanti West Coast has lifted peak ticket restrictions from Friday, December 19 through Sunday, January 4. This move allows travelers to book tickets without being confined to peak times, offering more options for those who need to adjust their schedules. However, passengers are still advised to remain cautious and check their travel details, as changes to the train schedule may impact available travel times.

This initiative is part of the company’s strategy to support travelers during a busy holiday season, ensuring they have greater freedom when booking tickets and planning their travel. Despite the engineering work, the company is committed to maintaining service levels where possible and providing customers with the best possible experience, even amid the disruption.

Keeping Passengers Informed and Updated

With the engineering works scheduled throughout the festive period, staying informed and up-to-date on any changes is crucial for all travelers. Avanti West Coast is encouraging passengers to keep checking for the latest travel information, particularly as the Christmas and New Year holidays approach. The company has committed to providing ongoing updates on travel schedules, platform changes, and other important information related to the planned works.

Customers are encouraged to visit Avanti West Coast’s website and other platforms for real-time updates on the status of their trains. The company has promised to do everything in its power to minimize disruptions, but it is important for passengers to remain flexible and prepared for the possibility of changes, especially for those traveling on dates directly impacted by the engineering work.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

As essential upgrade work is carried out by Network Rail over the Christmas and New Year period, passengers traveling on Avanti West Coast services should plan ahead and check their travel details regularly. While the disruptions are necessary to ensure the long-term viability and improvement of the rail network, they may cause delays and require some alterations to journey plans.

The altered timetable, rail replacement services, and earlier service finishes on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are expected to cause some inconvenience, so it is important for all passengers to be prepared. By staying informed and making use of the flexibility provided by the lifted peak ticket restrictions, travelers can enjoy a smoother and more manageable journey during the festive period.