A new CrossCountry train service which begins in December will connect Edinburgh with Cardiff, and for the first time the three countries – Scotland England and Wales – will be connected by rail.
The new service is part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable change.
It is 455 miles from Edinburgh to Cardiff with 22 stations in between on the Voyager service which will run daily in each direction. There are two services which begin at Cardiff and at Penzance which will combine at Birmingham New Street before coming north to Edinburgh. Southbound, the train will leave from Edinburgh and split into two at Gloucester – half of the train will go to Cardiff and the other half to Plymouth. Booking is already open. www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/buy-tickets.
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.”
www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/buy-tickets
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