Refurbished trains and new services feature in CrossCountry’s latest timetable update

CrossCountry is preparing passengers for a timetable change arriving on Sunday 14 December, marking the latest update in the rail industry’s twice-yearly scheduling cycle. The new pattern will bring service uplifts on key long-distance routes, with extra trains planned between Reading and Newcastle, and between Birmingham and Leicester, as the operator expands its offering.

The update comes in a period of wider network change, aligning with major timetable restructuring on the East Coast Main Line that will affect operators across the 393-mile route between London and Edinburgh. However, while the revised services are scheduled to begin in December, the full timetable will not come into effect until February 2026 due to extensive engineering works set to run from Christmas 2025 through January.

CrossCountry is urging passengers to plan ahead, noting that journeys around the festive period could be particularly busy, even with RMT industrial action no longer scheduled to take place. As the organisation prepares for the rollout of the new timetable, it is also progressing with fleet refurbishment work. Several Class 170 Turbostar units are already back in service with refreshed interiors, and the first upgraded Voyager set is expected to follow by spring 2026.

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.”

Passengers travelling from 14 December onward are advised to check journey planners via their operator or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information.

Image: CrossCountry