Is it a bad idea to travel on Xmas eve?

[-]

mootymoots@reddit

I’d be more worried about Storm Pia disrupting travel tbh

Reply

[-]

Zanki@reddit

Weather warnings are only in effect for today. Wind gusts are predicted to be around 30mph after today.

Reply

[-]

mootymoots@reddit

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-67784644

Reply

[-]

Zanki@reddit

That's for today... https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2023-12-24

Reply

[-]

mootymoots@reddit

>https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2023-12-24 turns out the wind and travel is still shit ;) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67814466

Reply

[-]

Zanki@reddit

Yeah, I saw that last night. Wasn't supposed to last this long, but weather predictions aren't 100% accurate.

Reply

[-]

mootymoots@reddit

sorry must have been confused by the headline "Storm Pia disrupts UK Christmas travel"

Reply

[-]

It's been awful in Kings cross, worse in Euston. Our train was cancelled and the next 3 we could have gotten were also cancelled so we booked a hotel and were advised to get train tomorrow and somehow got reservations

Reply

[-]

mootymoots@reddit

Sorry to hear that 😔

Reply

[-]

SquidgeSquadge@reddit

Fingers crossed tomorrow runs on time.

Reply

[-]

VivaLaguna@reddit

It's wind, we don't need to give it a name

Reply

[-]

Grand_Connection_869@reddit

Assuming you mean trains, it will be hellishly busy

Reply

[-]

Clever_Username_467@reddit

Since he's concerned about not getting a seat, I'm going to guess he's not talking about flying. They haven't introduced standing on planes yet.

Reply

[-]

CantSing4Toffee@reddit

Could have been by coach.

Reply

[-]

scifisam2020@reddit

They don't have standing on coaches either, do they? As long as you have a ticket, you have a seat. Pretty sure there are overbooking horror-stories but they're rare.

Reply

[-]

DaveBeBad@reddit

It’s only a matter of time before a budget airline introduces wing walking as a cheaper ticket option…

Reply

[-]

Leather_Mention8770@reddit (OP)

Yes it would be via a train, thank you that useful to know.

Reply

[-]

alex_3410@reddit

Triple check they are actually running at the time you need them as they tend to close down over Christmas for repairs etc

Reply

[-]

SharonStoneColdSteve@reddit

My manager always tells me to triple check things. Didn't know anyone else actually said it. What happened to a good old double check?

Reply

[-]

Puzzled-Barnacle-200@reddit

Check now, check the day before, and check a couple hours before.

Reply

[-]

east_cam@reddit

Inflation.

Reply

[-]

cifala@reddit

That’s not necessarily the case, Christmas Eve is a Sunday this year and a lot of people will go Friday or Saturday. I’ve not done that journey to London before but I have Manchester to Newcastle changing at Leeds York etc and been surprised in the past how quiet everywhere is

Reply

[-]

Zanki@reddit

It was always quiet when I travelled on Christmas eve via train.

Reply

[-]

shadow_kittencorn@reddit

Admittedly I am one of the people leaving London, but I tend to opt for a coach around the Xmas period. Too many experiences with cancelled trains, sitting in the isle, fighting with luggage, running along platforms and stress. While coaches take longer and can be late, you are guaranteed a seat, luggage is taken care of and you have better mobile signal. No changes for my route as well - just headphones on and watching films.

Reply

[-]

daz101224@reddit

I work for the railways so be aware that cancellations are higher on Sundays because Sundays are considered overtime shifts so are optional to 99% of companies. If I was you and you can do so then I would definitely travel on the Saturday, it's still going to be busy but you will have a better chance of getting home. Also the trains from Manchester to London generally start from Manchester so if you book a seat you have less chance of someone being sat in it when you get there

Reply

[-]

-amateur-paramedic-@reddit

Yeah, even travelling from Zone 2 to Brentwood via Shenfield on Christmas Eve has been a nightmare for me in the past. Christ knows what going through major terminuses would be like.

Reply

[-]

KonkeyDongPrime@reddit

Aim for the first train. There will be kick back on that line I reckon today and tomorrow, due to all the cancellations yesterday.

Reply

[-]

Jack_202@reddit

All the busy trains will be leaving London on Christmas eve.

Reply

[-]

KonkeyDongPrime@reddit

Today (December 22nd) expected to be the busiest travel day this year.

Reply

[-]

AdministrativeShip2@reddit

Not looking forward to my Saturday afternoon 4 hour trip.

Reply

[-]

Sweaty_Sheepherder27@reddit

Doubly so because there's engineering at Kings Cross, so people will try to travel on other routes. Plus the railways shut down early in the evening.

Reply

[-]

Sweaty_Sheepherder27@reddit

Doubly so because there's engineering at Kings Cross, so people will try to travel on other routes. Plus the railways shut down early in the evening.

Reply

[-]

Practical_Scar4374@reddit

When I was commuting to London. One Christmas eve journey home. I had an entire 12 coach train to myself for about 20 odd mins. There was noone on the platform.

Reply

[-]

KonkeyDongPrime@reddit

Hasn’t Euston shut down?

Reply

[-]

CoffeeIgnoramus@reddit

Too bad, I'm doing it.

Reply

[-]

Jibajabb@reddit

it's a bad idea because so may people are doing it, so it can't be that bad an idea

Reply

[-]

Frosthartz@reddit

On Christmas Eve, travel's a grievin' The trains and roads will leave you heavin' My advice - best not go weavin' Through that mess, it's not worth thievin' Joy and cheer, stay home this even'

Reply

[-]

PurpleEsskay@reddit

By train? It’s a gamble as to if they’ll be running. By car? A non issue.

Reply

[-]

Geek_reformed@reddit

According to an article I saw this morning, the peak travel day for Christmas is Friday. We are driving from Oxfordshire to North Wales on Saturday so I am hoping that is the case!

Reply

[-]

Drogbaaaaaa@reddit

I’ll be doing that same trip on Saturday via train wish me luck!!

Reply

[-]

Geek_reformed@reddit

If I could guarantee a seat and no delays, I'd prefer to do the train! However, my experience of trains during peak travelling times isn't good! So good luck!

Reply

[-]

Cloielle@reddit

That tracks with my experience over the years; people rush from their last day of work to the trains, so the final weekday is usually pandemonium.

Reply

[-]

mad-un@reddit

No, it's fine, millions of other people do it

Reply

[-]

tradandtea123@reddit

Whenever I've traveled either by train or car on Christmas Eve it's been really quiet. Most people don't finish work Christmas Eve, and especially with it being Sunday this year, and despite annual warnings of travel chaos people usually travel at various times on the week before Christmas. It's not like a normal bank holiday when half the country tries to drive on a Friday at 5pm.

Reply

[-]

WhatAmIDoingHere2092@reddit

Yes but I'm doing it anyway because my dad is a 2 day trip away

Reply

[-]

Briglin@reddit

Don't leave it till thew last train, any disruption and you are fucked. Travel early.

Reply

[-]

SquidgeSquadge@reddit

Have you seen kings cross and Euston today? It's been an absolute nightmare. We got to KC for just before 12 for our 12:30 train for Edinburgh stopping at Darlington. Warnings came it due to storms trains would be slower because of the storm then it was down right cancelled, then the 1pm and just as we found we were probably better and able to use our tickets tomorrow but not reserved seats, the next train was cancelled and we had just booked a hotel. Managed to get a reservation somehow for one tomorrow morning, I just hope they start off being ok with the chaos this storm has caused. Don't leave for the last train as everyone who can use a later train after theirs have been cancelled/ delayed WILL be gunning for it.

Reply

[-]

Briglin@reddit

Yeah, bit of wind. x2 inches of snow or a bucket of leaves on the track and it's game over, cancel Christmas

Reply

[-]

Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

This is the main thing, I'd happily travel in the morning, but I wouldn't want to suddenly stranded at 4pm.

Reply

[-]

CantSing4Toffee@reddit

This is also good advice.

Reply

[-]

googooachu@reddit

It’s generally easier to go to London than leave London

Reply

[-]

CantSing4Toffee@reddit

I’m assuming they’re traveling by train, & not coach. Avanti are not very reliable, I would check every hour on National Rail whether the train is cancelled or delayed. You can move trains and get refunded if delayed more than 30 minutes or cancelled all together.

Reply

[-]

AndyVale@reddit

I think on Avanti you can get a partial refund if a train arrives more than 15 minutes late to the destination.

Reply

[-]

Pleiades_cluster@reddit

This is universal for all trains in Britain. The later the train the greater the refund relative to the ticket price.

Reply

[-]

AndyVale@reddit

Are all the operators on Delay Repay? I'm assuming they are as the lines I use the most are, but wasn't sure. It's super simple, regular travellers could save so much with it.

Reply

[-]

timeforanoldaccount@reddit

All operators other than TfL, Merseyrail and Grand Central offer Delay Repay.

Reply

[-]

Pleiades_cluster@reddit

Yep, but each operator has a different way to claim, some being easy, others making it a right hassle, I presume to dissuade you from claiming.

Reply

[-]

Forgottencupofcoffee@reddit

Hahaha yeah my train today is cancelled and not even an email to tell me! I have to pay to change it so I’m just going to go to the station and absorb the chaos

Reply

[-]

williamshatnersbeast@reddit

Why do you have to pay to change it? Of your train is cancelled you should be fine to take the next available service to your destination on the original ricket

Reply

[-]

Forgottencupofcoffee@reddit

Update - all trains are off as of now so I booked a coach. Plan to get my refund. Very merry Avanti Christmas!

Reply

[-]

meinnit99900@reddit

I travelled last weekend and genuinely nearly every train coming in and out of Manchester Piccadilly was cancelled or severely delayed- the train going to Bournemouth was stopping at Birmingham and you’d have to wait until 6 o clock, half the London trains were cancelled- proper waste of time.

Reply

[-]

KaleidoscopicColours@reddit

If your train is cancelled you can get the next one (or, from memory, the one before) at no extra charge

Reply

[-]

Forgottencupofcoffee@reddit

I do that anyway but no one notified me and i didn’t get an email of the cancellation let alone the possibility of changing

Reply

[-]

KaleidoscopicColours@reddit

If it's cancelled, you just get on the next train, no need for pre authorisation or anything

Reply

[-]

-mmmusic-@reddit

last year i did gatwick -> notts on christmas eve, but it was 3am (should've been 9pm, car broke down) and there was basically no traffic! so, i know the middle of the night is clear lol. this year i'll be doing manchester -> notts on christmas eve, but it'll be the afternoon, so i hope it's not too busy, and i hope the car doesn't break down! different car this time, so fingers crossed!

Reply

[-]

PercentageFunny8684@reddit

Just get really drunk before you get on the train. A lot of people will move away from you.

Reply

[-]

Puretrickery@reddit

Shitting yourself will help too

Reply

[-]

PristineAnt9@reddit

I used to travel between Edinburgh and London by train a lot, I’d always get a few tinnies out even if I didn’t want to drink them. I’d offer to share them with rig workers or soldiers (they often had their own anyway) and they stopped me being hassled by knob heads many a time/ I could leave my stuff without worry.

Reply

[-]

Dimac99@reddit

Travel as early as possible in order to build in as much of a safety margin as possible. In fact, if *is* at all possible, try to find a way to go the night before.

Reply

[-]

ServerLost@reddit

Avanti will probably ruin your journey somehow, it's basically their entire business model. I'd recommend going to Crewe and getting the London Northwestern to Euston, slower but far more reliable and hardly ever busy. Cheaper too.

Reply

[-]

EvolvingEachDay@reddit

Nah, you’ll be fine.

Reply

[-]

harrismada@reddit

Day before Christmas Eve will most likely be busier than actually Christmas Eve I’d think

Reply

[-]

upyourstories@reddit

\*won't be able to get a seat. (Sorry, my pedantry doesn't have a Christmas break.)

Reply

[-]

Banditofbingofame@reddit

There should be a full stop at the end of your sentence.

Reply

[-]

upyourstories@reddit

But there is. Ha ha. I'm on the ball today.

Reply

[-]

Banditofbingofame@reddit

'Ha Ha' is not a complete sentence.

Reply

[-]

upyourstories@reddit

Grammatically it fits. Anything else whilst you're still bruised?

Reply

[-]

Banditofbingofame@reddit

It does not. It's an incomplete sentence, it has no subject.

Reply

[-]

PlentyOfNamesLeft@reddit

Is your inner pendant still learning English?

Reply

[-]

Honey-Badger@reddit

Closer to Christmas is actually a quieter time to travel

Reply

[-]

No-Photograph3463@reddit

It probably won't be as bad as other years, as Xmas eve is on the Sunday. But if you can I would leave as early as possible, or on the 23rd just so you know you won't be stuck anywhere tbh. Also it's Wolves Chelsea on Sunday so that may make your train busy or not depends what line your on. I'm on a Stag do in Cardiff this weekend (leave tomorrow, home Sunday) and if it was any other week we'd get the train, but have all decided to drive because don't really want to end up stuck due to trains being cancelled!

Reply

[-]

gingerbiscuity@reddit

It’s likely there are going to be severe staffing shortages on Christmas Eve, meaning fewer trains will be running. Trains will also be busier because of this. The east coast will also be blocked to London, meaning trains will again, have more passengers and be busier because of this. Trains are also terminating earlier than normal. You will be able to make a journey, but go ASAP EARLY as possible, if not the day before, if you can.

Reply

[-]

helpful__explorer@reddit

I've done the opposite before. Trains were packed, but I would take a foldup stool or miniature camping chair (those three legged ones that are about a foot long) and set up shop in one of the luggage or bike compartments

Reply

[-]

opaqueentity@reddit

You are very lucky if you have enough space for even that on many I’ve been on!

Reply

[-]

evenstevens280@reddit

I travel on Christmas eve a lot. It's usually quite quiet in my experience.

Reply

[-]

celaconacr@reddit

I'm not so sure it will be quieter. Schools, at least in my area aren't finishing until Friday. I think that will mean more travel over the weekend. Normally schools break up a few days earlier so visiting can be done in the week.

Reply

[-]

stutter-rap@reddit

Quite a lot of areas broke up last Friday which might spread things out a bit.

Reply

[-]

JBaser@reddit

Schools round here finished last Friday. They don't know how good they have it those kids!

Reply

[-]

GoodGreenBee@reddit

With a revised timetable on some route.

Reply

[-]

GullibleInevitable14@reddit

Sunday service will be in effect so make sure you plan your trip.

Reply

[-]

Elastichedgehog@reddit

The trains are a nightmare today. My journey is going to be about 3/4 hours late. I wouldn't risk it to be honest.

Reply

[-]

GoodGreenBee@reddit

I used to travel from Bristol to Birmingham on Xmas eve & it was usually ram packed & a general nightmare.

Reply

[-]

furrycroissant@reddit

Some of the major London stations are closed on the 24th this year. Best check before you book anything

Reply

[-]

Turbulent_Orange3386@reddit

It is however a great day to travel to the fridge to pull out a(another?) bottle of Fizz.

Reply

[-]

BroodLord1962@reddit

Can't a seat on what? Further more, if you haven't booked your travel yet you might find everything fully booked

Reply

[-]

Icefirezz@reddit

Needs a bit more context mate Travelling how, car, train, sleigh? What time? If it was me I'd just treat it like any other day and go EARLY and I mean EARLY

Reply

[-]

UniquePotato@reddit

Christmas Eve is a Sunday so i think most people will have travelled on the Saturday

Reply

[-]

chippychips4t@reddit

Can you get a National Express or similar? You are guaranteed your seat and your ticket is for the journey you book so no worries about that. It's probably also cheaper.

Reply

[-]

FuyoBC@reddit

TFL sends out an email which you may want to check out as it is [Viewable via Web here](https://view.email.tfl.gov.uk/?qs=55f5e412b12e7ddc3ffd98f8c87246d898da3e081ff9ba5a00fee47bf835dac53e484d278d886f52bce6d49d4a1bd58825c115b88b06b2cea6a9fac819958452d7f42a9eb6fc44cd187b64a9615f2c70f74fd62085bdc162) \- that includes the below: From Saturday 23 December 2023 until Tuesday 2 January 2024, planned work, closures and service changes may affect your journey. **On Christmas Eve, services will finish earlier than normal. For full details on how services may be affected, visit** [our Christmas Eve travel page](https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/24-december?cid=email_FINAL_WP1501_FestiveMME-Christmas+travel+page)

Reply

[-]

Lolaiero@reddit

i’ll also be getting a train from manchester (not to london though) on christmas eve, good luck to us both im terrified 😂

Reply

[-]

Zanki@reddit

Quietest travel day of the year. Usually. I've had entire carriages to myself on Christmas eve before now. I think the worst I ever had was a guy watching the barriers refuse to let me through because my dog didn't have a ticket. He claimed the trains were rammed and she needed one to travel. I knew it wasn't true because I'd already taken one train up there and only came out to get some food. I went to another barrier and they let me through no problem. This was at Birmingham. Guy was such a jerk.

Reply

[-]

toast_training@reddit

See if you can book a seat if travelling by train. You might be able to upgrade to standard premium on the train, or try Seatfrog and bid for a firstclass upgrade. If you are lucky you can eat and drink (booze) £20 easily on that journey so First Class can pay off.

Reply

[-]

TinyDemon000@reddit

Side note. I once tried to get to LHR from central London on boxing day morning for an 11am flight, 2018. Zero trains. Zero coaches. No options available. What the hell london! Ended up borrowing a family members car and leaving it at LHR for them to collect. Never been in a major city that doesn't have PT running on boxing day. Is it a major day in the UK or something?

Reply

[-]

andreeeeeaaaaaaaaa@reddit

All the trains that aren't cancelled will be jam packed with all the passengers that got their train cancelled. Prepare for a few hours of hell travelling. Also if you didn't book your tickets 2 months ago they are going to be about £100

Reply

[-]

bunnyswan@reddit

Have you checked the trains ?

Reply

[-]

sofabased@reddit

London to Manchester is hell at any time on any day of the week, the stampede in Euston is a sight to behold. I would try to split journey e.g. London to Crewe West Midlands train service (usually a lot quieter) then Crewe to Manchester. Otherwise book a seat on any other service so you don't have to stress about running to the platform

Reply

[-]

LondonCycling@reddit

You'll be fine. A lot of people avoid it as it happens, so you may get a quiet train. If you're in Avanti, coaches C/U are the normal unreserved carriages, and with some trains starting in Manchester, or at least emptying out there, if you get to the platform 15 minutes before you should grab a nice table seat easy.

Reply

[-]

Healthy-Grocery6055@reddit

I'd generally say you should be making your journey by about 7pm as any later and you run the chance of being stranded. And it will be busy although going to London will be better than leaving London.

Reply

[-]

WowSuchName21@reddit

As it’s a weekend leading up to Christmas this year, I imagine most that are in the position to will be travelling will be doing so after work Friday, or Saturday.

Reply

[-]

MurkySalamander106@reddit

You can book a seat but it still happens a lot that they cancel other trains and everyone from those trains is getting on yours. Then you need to run to still get your seat because it's like a wild life documentary. Like when the bisons cross the river and trample each other

Reply

[-]

peculiar-pirate@reddit

You can check on trainline whether the seats are sold out, or if there are limited tickets left.

Reply

[-]

BigMountainGoat@reddit

Know your backup plan. Remember unexpected things happen. Look at last Friday for example. All lines into Euston on the WCML shut because of an emergency services incident, equally you might get line damage. Particularly in the evening, your alternatives run out.

Reply

[-]

Time-Reindeer-7525@reddit

BBC News - Christmas: 21 million cars expected for festive getaway https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67691953 This article has coverage for the main trainlines - basically, try and travel before Christmas Eve as a lot of the main London stations will be shut for engineering work from the 24th or will be completely rammed.

Reply

[-]

Brutal-Gentleman@reddit

Just never take the last train on the holidays. My sister did this, missed it and fucked up my Dad's day because he had to drive 6 hours round trip to pick her up.

Reply

[-]

Thegreatwhite135@reddit

I live in Somerset and all I have heard over the tanoy the last two weeks is loads of disruptions around London this Christmas. Make sure your regularly checking travel updates is my advise.

Reply

[-]

bonjajr@reddit

I’m doing Manchester to London on the same day. Just make sure you have a seat booked. Chances are someone will be sat in it though.

Reply

[-]

Happy_Ad_7512@reddit

Last time I did, many years ago, they told a bunch of us to sit in first class. I guess I'd consider it if there were no other choice. i.e if you have to work 24th December and then go to London then go for it. But I could travel earlier then I probably would.

Reply

[-]

brumtownbull@reddit

Personally, I don’t think it will be that busy and think you’ll be ok. I would imagine the majority of people somewhere for the holidays are doing so, Friday, Saturday etc No seat reservations available on the train you’ve booked/booking?

Reply

[-]

Leather_Mention8770@reddit (OP)

Will be getting a open return so can’t reserve. I’m hoping it won’t be super busy too ☹️

Reply

[-]

CantSing4Toffee@reddit

I would also book direct with Avanti as compensation for delays or cancellation is more straightforward to claim.

Reply

[-]

throwthatbishaway1@reddit

You can book a seat on an open return. You just need to go to any station and ask them to book you a seat on the train you want to get. I’d recommend this because trains are likely to be very busy!

Reply

[-]

brumtownbull@reddit

Have you booked yet? You can book a seat on the outward journey of an open return

Reply

[-]

MASunderc0ver@reddit

Sunday shouldn't be too busy as most people will travel on Saturday or Friday

Reply

[-]

alaveria@reddit

Get it from manchester airport and you should be ok

Reply

[-]

Mattuk1626@reddit

Your mental if you wanna travel on Xmas eve

Reply

[-]

Billiamski@reddit

Not sure about the trains but the busiest days on the roads are predicted (by the AA, RAC etc.) to be Friday and Saturday this year. Christmas Eve should be relatively quiet, or normal levels of traffic. Seems to me it should be a similar situation with public transport but operators may decide to run fewer services if they expect lower passenger numbers?

Reply

[-]

Hazz3r@reddit

It probably won't be great but most people will be leaving London rather than going to London.

Reply

[-]

Monkeyboogaloo@reddit

I did it the other way some years back. They had cancelled the earlier train and I was on the last on going north. It was a nightmare. Everyone had luggage. I was rude and pushed through and grabbed a seat as I was travelling to Preston. There was no room to move, people sat on tables etc. The train had to restrict it's speed because of overcrowding and it took about 4 hours to Preston. Coming to London should be more civilised but if there's a cancelation it could get messy. Go during the day. Last time I did that at Christmas, again going north, I bumped into an old friend at Euston and chatted all the way.

Reply

[-]

PrinceBert@reddit

My biggest question would be what will you do if there are significant delays or cancellations? That's why I wouldn't travel via train on Christmas Eve. I would at least want to give myself plenty of time to make alternative travel if needed.

Reply

[-]

cuccir@reddit

Christmas Eve travel is OK if you book a seat and set off in the morning. It will be quieter this year because it is a Sunday, so travel will be more spread over three days than usual. Travel to London is better than travel away.

Reply

[-]

dinkidoo7693@reddit

Personally I'd go the day before if possible.. Xmas eve is well busy. Services tend to finish early. Lots of people going home for Christmas. It's a nightmare

Reply

[-]

maddy273@reddit

In my experience it will be dependent on how many carriages the train has. Look out for any seats reserved from an earlier station than yours, if those people have not got on the train then you could take those seats.

Reply

[-]

imminentmailing463@reddit

I suspect you'll be going against the rush. Also because of when Christmas eve is, lots will have already done their journey to where they need to be. I reckon it won't be so bad.

Reply

[-]

listyraesder@reddit

Industrial action means that services will be severely reduced to the point of just don't.

Reply to Post

135 Comments