Late-night Cardiff to Holyhead train trial launched for Wales World Cup play-offs

Transport for Wales is set to trial a new late-night direct rail service from Cardiff to North Wales following Wales’ World Cup play-off matches in March, offering supporters a same-night journey home after the final whistle.

For the first time, a dedicated 23:00 departure will run directly from Cardiff to Holyhead after each fixture. The move is aimed at easing travel for fans attending what are expected to be sold-out matches, with TfW also increasing capacity across its wider network to cope with higher passenger numbers.

The trial will operate after two home fixtures at the end of March: Wales’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday 26 March, followed by a second play-off on Tuesday 31 March against either Italy or Northern Ireland.

TfW has previously laid on post-match services to destinations such as Wrexham and Chester, but the introduction of a late-night through service to Holyhead marks a significant extension. The operator said the move gives supporters from North Wales greater confidence to attend evening kick-offs without having to arrange overnight accommodation.

The service has been developed in response to passenger feedback and has required close coordination with Network Rail. Planned engineering work has been adjusted, signal box opening hours extended and additional train crew and fleet resources secured to make the trial possible.

Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery & Events Planning Manager 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, added:

“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.”

Image: Transport for Wales