All train lines running to London Paddington will be closed for seven days over the Christmas period, causing major disruption for passengers travelling between south Wales and London.
Major engineering work between London Paddington and Slough will close all lines to the London station from Sunday, December 27, to Sunday, January 3. All Great Western Rail, Elizabeth line, and Heathrow Express services to and from Paddington will be affected.
Alternative Routes and Longer Journeys
Great Western Rail services will instead run between London Euston and Swansea or Carmarthen on the affected dates, while the usual London Paddington services will terminate at Reading.
Trains that usually run between Carmarthen, Swansea, Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington will run via Oxford and Milton Keynes Central (not calling at either) and will run to and from London Euston instead. This will increase journey times; for example, travelling from Cardiff Central to London Euston will take three hours rather than the usual two-hour service to London Paddington.
Birmingham New Street Also Affected
Birmingham New Street will also be closed for several days over Christmas, with planned works taking place from the start of Christmas Eve to Monday, December 28. CrossCountry trains will operate on an amended timetable, and rail replacement buses will be running.
Further rail improvement work will impact train services for London Paddington on Sunday, January 10.
Network Rail Statement
Anit Chandarana, Network Rail's group director, system operator, said: "Christmas is a time when many people want to be with family and friends, and most of the railway will be open to help them get there.
"We have worked with train operators to keep services running wherever we can on the busiest travel days and to provide alternative journey options where work affects the usual route.
"We are sorry that some passengers will face disruption. The days between Christmas and new year are by far the quietest of the year and give us the best opportunity to complete major projects such as the power supply upgrades at Birmingham and Paddington.
"Our teams will do everything they can to keep people moving, and we urge passengers to check their journeys before setting off."
