Direct service to North Wales for World Cup play-offs
Transport for Wales will be trialling a direct train service from Cardiff to North Wales following both World Cup play-off fixtures in March.
For the first time, a dedicated 23:00 post-match service will run from Cardiff to Holyhead, allowing fans to return home the same night.
Both fixtures are expected to sell out, and TfW has increased capacity across the network to meet the demand.
The new late-night service will operate after the following fixtures:
• Thursday 26 March – Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Tuesday 31 March – Wales v Italy or Northern Ireland
While TfW has previously provided post-event services to Wrexham and Chester, this marks the first time a direct late-night route to Holyhead will operate, giving fans a new travel option after national team matches.
The service was made possible following customer feedback and collaboration with Network Rail to modify planned engineering work, extend signal box hours and add train crew and fleet resources.
Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery and Events Planning Manager at TfW, said: “We’ve listened to our passengers, and we know that getting home to North Wales following a late kick-off has been a challenge in the past.
“By working with our partners at Network Rail, we are proud to trial this direct 23:00 service to Holyhead to ensure fans get home safely.
“While this is currently a trial, we want to see it succeed and encourage fans to take advantage of the service and travel with us.”
Rachel Heath, Operations Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders Route, said: “We’re pleased to be working closely with Transport for Wales to help make this trial service possible for football fans travelling to and from North Wales.
“By adjusting planned engineering activity, extending signal box opening hours and ensuring the right resources are in place, we’re supporting safe and reliable late-night travel following major national events.
“This collaboration shows how we can respond to feedback and make the railway work better for passengers when demand is highest.”
Macsen Jones, FAW Fan Engagement Executive, said: “We are pleased that TfW has chosen to trial this service. Throughout fan consultations and feedback, this route has been consistently identified as one that would greatly assist supporters in returning home to North Wales after matches.
“We value TfW’s collaborative approach and their commitment to working with us to ensure fans enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience when attending games.”
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