Christmas trains between Maidenhead and London to see 'significant changes'

No major alterations are planned for those looking at an early getaway immediately before Christmas Day.

Still, those hoping to travel between December 27 and 29 are warned of significant changes.  

After Christmas Eve, no mainline trains will run to or from London Paddington until Monday, December 30.

This is to allow for work on the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common in west London, and Network Rail improvements to track, signals and overhead wires between Reading and Paddington.  

Most of Great Western Railway’s long-distance services will start from or terminate at Reading, where customers can get connecting trains to Ealing Broadway from where London Underground services run into central London.  

GWR Operations Director Richard Rowland said: “This is a really complex operation, and we have worked hard to make sure people get to where they want to.  

"We will...have several trains which will terminate at Reading, and people can connect there, and we will also have trains to Ealing Broadway for those making more local journeys.

"It is really important to us that we can keep customers moving and get them to where they need to go this Christmas.

"We’ve worked carefully with the team at Network Rail who manage that station to make sure we've got extra staff and managers to help customers. We will be transporting a little bit of Great Western Railway to Euston to keep people moving."  

Those travelling are warned that trains and stations over the Christmas period will be extremely busy.

The earlier you can travel before Christmas, or the later you can travel after it, the more comfortable your journey will be.

 Network Rail Western Route Director Marcus Jones said: "Our festive upgrades ensure the railway runs reliably and safely.  

"Continued investment into upgrading and improving the railway is evidence of our commitment to providing a railway fit for the 21st century.  

"We appreciate there is never a good time to disrupt journeys but whenever possible we do this at times when fewer people are travelling, such as at Christmas, on bank holidays or at weekends.   

"We thank passengers in advance for their patience and urge them to please check before they travel.”   

Peter Gow, Project Client for Old Oak Common Station at HS2 Ltd added: "Old Oak Common will be a super-hub of connectivity, bringing together HS2, Great Western mainline, and Heathrow Express services, as well as becoming the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line.  

"The new station is a catalyst for transport-led regeneration of a previously industrial site in west London, with thousands of new homes and jobs to be created as part of the development. As we construct the new station, we are working collaboratively with our partners in the rail industry to reduce disruption to passengers.” 

Passengers are advised to check their journeys before travelling and to plan well in advance.

More information can be found at www.GWR.com/Christmas.