Newcastle train passengers warned of change to timetables from later this year
Train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable from December, 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.
The introduction of CrossCountry’s December timetable coincides with a major industry-wide update to the timetable on the key East Coast Main Line corridor.
This includes significant changes to services for other operators using the rail artery, which spans 393 miles between London and Edinburgh.
Overall, CrossCountry services will increase – with additional services on the busy Reading to Newcastle and Birmingham and Leicester routes across both 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.”
Those planning to travel from Sunday 14 December onwards can check their journeys with their train operator or through National Rail Enquiries.