One month to go: new train timetables go live from Sunday 14 December

Train operator Northern is reminding customers to check before they travel, with timetables for trains changing from Sunday 14 December 2025.

The update to timetables in December forms part of the national timetable change, which takes place each May and December.

Many of the changes taking place next month form part of wider improvements across the rail network, with some areas - in particular the North East - seeing new routes, faster journeys, and revised train times to make train travel easier and more reliable.

There will also be a number of changes whilst engineering work takes place over the Christmas and New Year period in places, and a closure of the line from Christmas until late-January between Leeds and York whilst work takes place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. 

There are several tools available to help customers plan their journeys:

• Northern app: Access real-time updates, purchase tickets, and receive notifications about service alterations

• National Rail Enquiries journey planner: Check for timetable changes, engineering works and plan journeys

Matt Rice, Chief Operating Officer for Northern, said: "The upcoming timetable changes reflect our focus on improving connectivity, strengthening reliability and offering more convenient services across the North of England.

"We are pleased to be able to offer later trains in the evening following customer feedback on some of our routes, and extra trains during peak times on others.

"I'd urge customers to check their journeys in advance as there will be some significant changes in place, and particularly during the December engineering period.”

Full details of all of the changes taking place across the Northern network can be found on Northern's website. 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.