Book early for Christmas & New Year travel with Virgin Trains

Virgin Trains is urging customers to check train times and book their tickets for travel over the Christmas 2013 / New Year 2014 period as soon as possible, to ensure they have reserved seats during this very busy travel time.

Last trains on 24 and 31 December will be earlier than normal, and first trains on 27 December and 1 January will be later than normal and, with over three weeks still to go, many trains are filling up quickly. The busiest days are expected to be Saturday 21 December and Friday 27 December. Seats for travel on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December are also selling quickly and boarding controls will be in place for trains leaving London Euston on Tuesday 24 December.

Full details of train times and fares, together with booking facilities, are available online at virgintrains.com, by calling 0871 977 4222 or by visiting any Virgin Trains’ ticket office.

Tips for travelling over Christmas and New Year

·  Travel Off-Peak, at any time of the day: From the afternoon of Monday 23 December until Wednesday 1 January inclusive, you can travel with us for our Off-Peak prices, on any day, at any time.

·  Don't just turn up on the day, plan ahead: Please check your journey details before you travel.

·  Reserve your seat before you travel: If you’re buying an Advance ticket, you can reserve a seat online. Reservations for Off-Peak or Anytime bookings can be made at your nearest station.

·  Be flexible with when you travel: We will be operating a reduced timetable between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January inclusive. You will also be able to find a cheaper ticket if you can be flexible with your travel dates and times. Check our Best Fare Finder for the best prices.

·  No Virgin Trains services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day: Our services will start again on Friday 27 December, however services will start later than normal so please check before you travel.

Check for last minute changes before setting off

For last minute service changes, please visit us at virgintrains.com, or National Rail Enquiries online at www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling 08457 48 49 50.

Boarding controls at London Euston on Christmas Eve

To ensure everyone gets home safely, and in comfort, we’ll be operating boarding controls on all our services departing London Euston on Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) and priority will be given to those holding seat reservations. To make sure you get to travel on the train you want, please make a seat reservation in advance of travel.

London Euston - first and last Virgin Trains’ departures

Peak restrictions relaxed on selected dates / First Class Upgrades

¹ On Monday 23 December, Off-Peak tickets are valid on any Virgin Trains departing London Euston after 09:15. Morning Off-Peak restrictions also exist when departing from Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central on this day. Please check at the station for details.

² First Class Upgrades cost £10 per person per single journey on London Euston-Birmingham-Wolverhampton trains, and £15 per person on all other routes. Under 16s £5 each. You can buy an upgrade onboard from your train manager or when you buy your tickets.