UK travellers planning to journey at Christmas have been reminded of the "12-week" rule of thumb, which could help them secure tickets for less, provided they time their purchase correctly.
According to Trainline, Europe's leading train and coach app, there is a simple way to "get cheap Christmas travel for 2026" — and it requires preparation. Urging people to "book in advance", Trainline explains: "Train companies in the UK tend to release tickets around 12 weeks before the travel date, usually at their cheapest price. And, during popular travel times like Christmas, these popular Advance tickets sell out pretty quickly."
With this in mind, the app suggests people need to start looking now if they have not already. Trainline adds: "Start keeping an eye out around September time to snap up the cheapest deals." In its FAQ section, Trainline notes that while people will be travelling during the festive holiday, Christmas Day itself and the surrounding days may be an issue.
Money Saving Expert's 12-week rule
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) also suggests this 12-week rule. In an updated blog on September 22, 2026, it stresses: "If you're looking to travel during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year or bank holiday weekends, booking as soon as advance tickets go on sale is especially important, as they're likely to sell out faster than usual."
Suggesting setting up an alert when tickets go on sale so you don't miss out, MSE further explains that while people probably already know booking early usually means a cheaper fare, advance tickets can disappear faster than seats on a peak-time service. "Normally, to bag yourself a bargain, try to book about 12 weeks before you want to travel", MSE says.
It adds: "It's generally best to start looking that far ahead because, contractually, Network Rail, the body that manages the rail network, must have timetables set 12 weeks in advance (though it can be a few weeks later over Christmas and New Year). And so train firms normally put advance fares on sale shortly after."
"If you've less time before you travel, it's usually best to book ASAP, as the longer you leave it, the pricier tickets tend to be. Some operators release advance tickets even earlier than 12 weeks prior, though timetables may not be totally finalised. For example, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) often puts them on sale up to 24 weeks ahead for some routes."
Will trains run over the festive period?
Trainline says: "Most train services shut down early on Christmas Eve, but will run as usual throughout the day."
On Christmas Day 2026, there will be "no trains running on Christmas Day 2026", the company confirms. If you need to travel, coach services will be running throughout the festive period. Trainline suggests checking coach times and buying tickets for National Express instead.
The company also confirms that only a "few services will be running on Boxing Day. With the exception of some airport transfer services, such as the Stansted Express and Heathrow Express."
On New Year's Day, the travel experts note that "train companies usually run an altered service on New Year's Day, with the first trains departing slightly later in the day." Travellers should plan ahead and check whether their specific route will be affected.
