Christmas UK Rail Closures announced

Well it’s November, so it’s closing in on that wonderful time of the year – and time to plan the trips home if you’re using rail.

For travellers into the UK – some highlights to rail connected airports

• Heathrow Express will NOT  operate on 25th and 26th December with a reduced service over the Christmas period
• Heathrow Connect will NOT  operate on 25th and 26th December with a reduced service over the Christmas period
• Gatwick Express will NOT operate on 25th December, with a reduced service at other times
• Stansted Express will NOT operate on 25th December, with a reduced service on the 26th December
• Luton Airport will have no service to the rail network on the 25th or 26th December
• Birmingham Airport will have no service to the rail network on the 25th or 26th December
• Manchester Airport will have no service to the rail network on the 25th or 26th December
• Southampton Airport will have no service to the rail network on the 25th or 26th December

The big lowlight for travellers over the Christmas/New Year period will be the West Coast Main line – connecting London Euston to to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. This line will be closed between London and Rugby from the 23rd to 26th December – and operate on dual track operation (as opposed to quad track operation) between 27th and 2nd January. Both Virgin Trains and London Midland are affected.

If your travel plans call for rail travel over the Christmas period, head to http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/seasonal/Christmas_2012/index_custom.html and plan now.

Because this year it’s going to be a pain getting where you need to after the 22nd December.