Timetable changes later this year will see more services between Reading and Newcastle.
Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable that will be implemented from December 14 as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable review.
The changes will see an uplift in CrossCountry services, including some additional services between Reading and Newcastle, and between Birmingham and Leicester.
Services will increase – with additional services on the busy Reading – Newcastle route across weekdays and weekends. Passengers travelling on Sundays will also see more resilient and reliable services across the CrossCountry network.
However, significant engineering work across the network from Christmas 2025 until the end of January means the new timetable will not come into full effect until February 2026.
Customers are encouraged to check journey planners for any changes to their usual travel plans.
Shiona Rolfe, managing director at CrossCountry, 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.”
The new timetable arrives as CrossCountry’s Class 170 “Turbostar” trains continue their rolling programme of refurbishment, with several refreshed vehicles already delivering brighter and more comfortable journeys for passengers on CrossCountry’s inter-regional routes.
The planned refurbishment of the CrossCountry’s long-distance Voyager fleet has also begun in earnest, with the first refurbished train scheduled to roll off the factory line by Spring 2026.
Those planning to travel from Sunday, December 14, onwards can check their journeys with their train operator or through National Rail enquiries.
