With the upcoming timetable change, CrossCountry Trains will launch a new service, connecting the Welsh Capital of Cardiff to the Scottish Capital of Edinburgh via Birmingham.
CrossCountry Voyager at Manchester Piccadilly Train Station – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The new weekday service will link Wales, England and Scotland by one train for the first time. The services are being introduced as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable change, rolled out from Sunday 15 December.
The 455-mile journey will connect 22 stations between the capitals of Wales and Scotland directly by rail in what is thought to be the first service of its kind, operated by CrossCountry Voyager trainsets.
Operations
On the northbound journey, one train will depart from Cardiff, whilst the other from Penzance in the morning. They will join together at Birmingham New Street before proceeding north to Edinburgh via Derby, Sheffield and the East Coast Main Line
On the southbound journey, the train will depart from Edinburgh and proceed to Gloucester where the service will divide into two trains. Half of the train will travel onwards to Cardiff whilst the other half will terminate at Plymouth.
The new route should open up more journey possibilities for those who travel on the CrossCountry network.
Ticketing is open via CrossCountry Trains, National Rail and other accredited resellers
In Quotes
Scott Maynard, CrossCountry’s Interim Managing Director, said:
“We’re delighted to introduce this new service joining Cardiff and Edinburgh directly by rail for the very first time – meaning even more connections for customers across the length and breadth of the country.
“Thanks to colleagues across CrossCountry and the wider rail industry for their support in delivering these new services linking two of Great Britain’s capital cities, as well as many other key towns and cities in between.”
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:
“The launch of a new direct weekday train service between Edinburgh and Cardiff for the first time is welcome news for rail users wishing to travel between these two capital cities. The new service should have a positive impact for jobs and local economic growth, while providing direct connectivity between Scotland, Wales, and intermediary locations when it commences later this year.”
Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:
“We are always happy to support new services that offer more choice for passengers. Connecting two capital cities of the UK in a sustainable way is a positive development.”
455 miles in a Voyager… Lovely.
Whilst Voyagers serve an important role in the UK rail network, they’re not universally loved – and for those travelling the full distance to Cardiff and Edinburgh, it’ll be noticeable. Whilst legroom in Standard class is passable in an airline-style seat, the trains do pack out regularly.
Combined with limited onboard Wi-Fi (which throttles after a certain limit) and the strong window tinting that turns your train into a Faraday cage, you might find it a good place to turn off everything and relax, rather than using the time to work or doom-scroll.
If you want to travel quicker, then Loganair provides a direct route between Cardiff Airport and Edinburgh airport
For those who prefer a one-seat ride, and enjoy a centre-to-centre travel experience, whilst trying to be a little more sustainable in how travel, it’s a welcome route launch by CrossCountry Trains.
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