Big changes are arriving on the Transport for Wales and Borders rail network this December — and they’re all designed to make travelling easier, more frequent, and better connected.

From more trains per hour to later services for night-time travel, Transport for Wales (TfW) is reshaping the timetable to support communities, commuters, and travellers across the network.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new — and how it could make your future journeys smoother.

🚉 More Frequent Services & Better Connections

🔁 Chester ↔ Wrexham: Doubled to 2 Trains Per Hour

A new hourly service is being added between Chester and Wrexham — doubling the frequency and providing a consistent 2 trains per hour.

Perfect for commuters, students, and cross-border travellers.

🚞 Heart of Wales Line: Additional Midday Service

A new midday train in each direction between Shrewsbury and Swansea (via Llandrindod Wells) means the line will now run 5 trains a day, offering better flexibility for scenic and essential travel.

🚄 Key Daily Timetable Enhancements

🚏 New Stops on Cardiff ↔ Holyhead

The 11:23 service will now also call at:

Craven Arms (12:59)

Church Stretton (13:07)

⏰ Early Commuter Trains Added

05:54 from Bidston → Wrexham General (Mon–Sat)

05:37 from Bridgend → Cardiff → Ebbw Vale (Mon–Sat), calling at all stations

⏰ New later train added:

20:51 Wrexham Central → Bidston (Mon–Sat)

Convenient for evening workers, students, and those returning from leisure trips along the Borderlands Line.

🛤️ Extended & Updated Services

The 07:40 Cardiff → Milford Haven becomes 07:21 for smoother peak-time alignment.

Cardiff ↔ Gloucester services at 14:10 and 15:49 now extend to/from Cheltenham Spa.

23:23 Cardiff → Hereford added on Saturdays.

The 22:15 Cardiff → Hereford on Saturdays will now extend to Shrewsbury.

Evening services between Pwllheli ↔ Machynlleth will continue as planned.

🗺️ Plan Ahead

These changes come into effect 14th December.

For the most accurate times, check your journey on the TfW website for dates from 14th December onward.

Ref:

https://news.tfw.wales/news/rail-december-timetable-changes-bring-more-services-and-greater-connectivity