train

HEADING off to different destinations in the UK can get expensive, but from tomorrow you could save money across thousands of popular rail routes.

Running from January 6 to 12, the Great British Rail Sale will return with discounts on over three million tickets.

Travellers can book travel during the sale for trips between January 13 and March 25 to get the discount.

Nearly all train operators are taking part, meaning that if there is a UK town or city you have wanted to visit for a while, there couldn’t be a better time to go.

Here are some of the best offers in the sale, great for staycations and day trips.

London St Pancras to Whitstable

Tickets between London St Pancras and Whitstable in Kent are being cut down from £15.10 to £7.50.

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The historic seaside town of Whitstable is famous for its oysters, but also has a beautiful pebble beach with multicoloured beach huts and a plethora of independent shops to explore.

For family-friendly beaches, head to either West Beach or Tankerton Beach.

Deputy travel editor Kara Godfrey, who has visited Whitstable, said: “Whitstable has a pebble beach – there is the famous pink Wheelers Oyster Bar, which sells, you guessed it, fresh oysters, plus The Lobster Shack on the seafront.

“Along with wine bars, the town is the starting point for a 25-mile walk from Whitstable to Ramsgate, part of the King Charles III England Coast Path.”

It takes around one hour and 20 minutes to reach Whitstable from London.

London Waterloo to Exeter

Tickets between Exeter in Devon and London Waterloo have a dramatic price slash from £41.70 to just £10.

Exeter is a major city in Devon and is full of history including a grand cathedral.

From Exeter you can also hop on a number of other trains to see the seaside, such as Teignmouth, Dawlish, Torquay or Paignton.

If travelling from Exeter to London Waterloo, while it might take longer than the Exeter to London Paddington route, it comes in considerably cheaper, meaning you could get to the capital for a bargain.

It takes around three-and-a-half hours to travel between Exeter and London Waterloo.

London Marylebone to Birmingham

From London Marylebone, you could head on a cheap day trip to Birmingham for 50 per cent less than the usual price.

Tickets to Birmingham Moor Street from London Marylebone will be slashed from £14 to £7.

The station sits right in the city centre, making it ideal to explore the city itself.

Visitors can explore the city’s vast network of canals, leading to it being dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’.

In fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice itself.

The canals are popular for narrowboat trips as well as walking, cycling and watersports.

The journey from London to Birmingham takes less than two hours.

Birmingham to Liverpool

If you are based in Birmingham and fancy heading away on the train for cheap, then you could head to Liverpool for just £5.70 with West Midlands Railways.

Liverpool is a great spot to head to if you are a Beatles fan as there is The Beatles Story Museum, which takes visitors on an immersive journey of The Beatles.

Beatles fans should also head to The Cavern Club where the band once played.

In the historic dockyard, Royal Albert Dock, there are also a number of museums and shops worth exploring.

The journey between the two cities takes around an hour and a half.

London Kings Cross to Cambridge

With Great Northern, you could head from London King’s Cross to the historic university city of Cambridge for just £7.60.

Sat on the River Cam, Cambridge is home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge which dates back to 1209.

Visitors can explore the university’s numerous colleges including Trinity College which was founded by Henry VIII.

One of the top experiences in the city is punting on the River Cam, which is a unique way of seeing the gardens behind the university’s famous colleges.

Another key spot worth visiting is Cambridge Market Square, which is open every day and sells local produce, street food and crafted items.

Newcastle to/from Edinburgh

With TransPennine Express, those in Newcastle can hop across the England-Scotland border into the Scottish Capital for just £4.20.

Edinburgh is home to a wealth of history, including the famous Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

If you fancy doing something a little more active, you can hike up Arthur‘s Seat too and discover breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea below.

Alternatively, those in Edinburgh can hop on a train to Newcastle and explore Victoria Tunnels that were used as shelters during the Second World War.

Also in Newcastle, visitors can head to the Quayside where they will be able to go on a walk next to the River Tyne and discover the area’s seven bridges.

Manchester to Glasgow

Also with the TransPennine Express, travellers can head from Manchester to Glasgow for as little as £8.30.

Known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow is home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland.

Though if you aren’t a big fan of performances, there are a number of museums too.

For example, you could head to The Gallery of Modern Art, home to art by local and international artists.

Or if you are travelling with kids, perhaps head to the Glasgow Science Centre, which has exhibits for all ages including a planetarium.

Leicester to Lincoln

Taking under two hours, you could head from Leicester to Lincoln from £9.10 with East Midlands Railway.

Known for its medieval cathedral, the historic city is home to a number of fascinating places to explore, including a library designed by the famous architect Christopher Wren, Lincoln Castle with its Victorian prison, and even the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, which has a number of exhibits in old Victorian barracks.

If you love art, head to the Usher Gallery where you will find works by Turner and Lowry.

For a bite to eat, make sure to visit The Cornhill Quarter, which is one of the city’s newly regenerated areas, with a number of shops, bars and restaurants.

In other rail news, there’s a little-known UK train trick that lets you visit up to three destinations for the price of one.

Plus, the UK train line ‘that time forgot’ is crowned one of the best in the world by National Geographic.

This Swiss train route is often listed among the most beautiful in the world, but the ticket price is unaffordable for many travellers. However, there’s a trick that allows you to see the same sights for much less

There are many stunning train journeys across the world, and luckily, many of them can be found in Europe, with views from unspoilt mountain scenery to stunning coastlines.

Unfortunately, many of these bucket list experiences also come with a hefty price tag, especially if you choose to travel on a vintage train or opt for extras such as afternoon tea or fine dining with champagne.

However, on one route, often considered among the most beautiful in the world, you can enjoy the views without maxing out your credit card, thanks to the local train service.

The Glacier Express is an epic eight-hour train journey that connects the Swiss mountain towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz. It starts at the foot of the Matterhorn, an iconic peak in the Alps, then passes through spectacular scenery that includes lakes, mountains, and over 291 bridges.

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The route was high on the list of Conde Nast’s best train trips in the world, and reviews of the train call it a “once in a lifetime experience”. The Glacier Express has huge panoramic windows, comfortable seats with tables, and an audio guide to point out the highlights of the route, making it an incredible way to see the Alps.

Passengers can also upgrade to Excellence Class for extras such as Champagne on departure, a five-course Alpine meal served at their table, and access to an individual iPad which provides interesting facts and figures along the way for an immersive tour. This carriage also features its own exclusive bar, situated under a gold dome, where passengers can enjoy fine wines and cocktails throughout the journey.

As you can imagine, this kind of experience doesn’t come cheap, and tickets often sell out well in advance. A second-class seat costs around CHF 213 in total, just under £200, while a first-class seat costs CHF 326, just over £300. Excellence Class costs around CHF 812, approximately £761, although this does include your meal with wine accompaniments, plus many extras that add to the experience.

However, the Glacier Express isn’t the only train to run on this line. Railway operator Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB), the national railway company of Switzerland, also runs a regular service which is often used by locals.

This means, if you’re willing to forgo the panoramic windows and plush seats and travel on a normal train, you can enjoy the same route for a fraction of the cost. Tickets can be booked on the SBB website, making it easy to view the available dates and times.

Simply search for trains from Zermatt to St. Moritz, or vice versa, and make sure they’re the ones travelling via Brig and Andermatt. This brings the cost of the journey down to CHF 44 for second class, about £41, or CHF 59 for first class which is about £55, and offers larger seats.

Doing this journey on a normal train will mean making a few changes along the route, so it’s not just one journey. However, some tourists prefer to do the route this way, spreading it out into smaller journeys and stopping to explore the towns along the way. It gives you more flexibility to visit sites along the way, for example, you may wish to leave the train at Brig to hike the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

You could also spend some time in Andermatt, a charming Alpine village with traditional wooden homes set among the mountain landscapes. From here, you can also visit Schöllenen Gorge, crossing the famous stone Devil’s Bridge, which gives you spectacular views across the area.

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And while you won’t see butlers serving Champagne on an SBB train, some of the longer routes have buffet cars serving food and drink. You can also bring your own picnic, and alcohol is allowed, so bring your own bottle to enjoy while taking in the scenery.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The Great British Rail Sale is returning for the fourth year, offering millions of discounted tickets with savings of up to 50% and more on popular routes across the UK

A massive sale for rail travel is set to launch this month, offering up to 50% off on thousands of popular routes from nearly every train operator.

The Great British Rail Sale is back to make train journeys more affordable, boasting millions of discounted tickets. The week-long sale, taking place from 6 to 12 January 2026, presents an opportunity to secure bargain fares with over 50% savings on advance and off-peak tickets.

These reduced fares are valid for travel on thousands of routes from 13 January to 25 March 2026. With almost all train operators joining in and routes covering the length and breadth of the UK, it’s the perfect time to book, whether you’re planning a city getaway, commuting, or looking for half-term activities.

Some of the deals include £10 trips from South Coast destinations, such as Portsmouth to London Waterloo, offering a whopping 59% saving. Travellers hopping on the train from Exeter to London Waterloo can also enjoy a staggering 76% discount with tickets slashed from £41.70 to just £10.

In other deals, a 50% reduction will be available on the London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street route, with tickets going for a mere £7. Passengers can also benefit from the discounted journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport, which will be priced at just £1.20, down from £2.90, reports the Express.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “The Rail Sale is back – and it means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in 3 decades to help ease the cost of living. We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half-term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions. It’s all part of our plans to build a railway owned by the public, that works for the public.”

This marks the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with travellers saving approximately £8 per trip last year, leading to more than one million tickets being snapped up. The government is understood to be determined to increase the number of people using trains in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and clear road space for emergency vehicles and freight.

Jacqueline Starr, executive chairperson and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The Rail Sale gives people even more reasons to choose rail, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones or exploring new places. Rail continues to play a vital role in the lives of millions, supporting local economies and offering a more sustainable way to travel.

“This year’s Rail Sale will offer millions of discounted advance fares across the network from 6 January, giving customers the chance to save on journeys big and small. By making rail travel more accessible, we hope even more people will enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by rail.”

Key discounts

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Dec. 31 (UPI) — The driver of a train was killed and at least 40 passengers, including American tourists, were injured when two trains collided head-on near the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru.

The trains operated by two different rail companies were on the same narrow-gauge line when the crash occurred at the busiest time of day, Tuesday afternoon, near Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, with no roads nearby, the BBC and El Comercio newspaper reported.

The engineer killed was an employee of Inca Rail. The other train was operated by PeruRail.

Inca Rail said in a statement Wednesday that it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of one of its team and that it was cooperating fully with investigating authorities.

Expressing “deep regret,” PeruRail said in a news update that the injured were evacuated from the crash scene in two railcars to the nearest road, about 10 miles back down the line to Piscacucho station, from where 10 ambulances transported them to hospital in Cusco.

“We deeply regret what has happened. PeruRail staff immediately provided first aid to the train driver, the train conductor and the passengers, activating emergency protocols and mobilizing medical personnel to attend to the most urgent cases.”

Those hurt included Peruvian and foreign tourists.

In a transportation alert, the U.S. Embassy in Lima confirmed that U.S. citizens were among those injured and that services along the Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes section of the railway remained suspended.

Footage and images circulating online show two wrecked locomotives in a narrow, rock-walled canyon with chaotic scenes of injured passengers on the ground as others escape from cars via the windows.

An investigation was underway with prosecutors in Cusco looking at human error and signal or mechanical failures as possible causes.

Track operator Ferrocarril Transandino said services on its 75-mile South-Eastern Cusco-Machu Picchu-Hydroelectric Plant line would be suspended “until the evacuation of passengers is complete and the trains are removed from the tracks.”

In July 2018, 15 tourists were injured when two Inca Rail and PeruRail trains were involved in a similar collision.

Tuesday’s crash comes amid ongoing wrangling over area transportation, including rivalries between bus providers who take visitors on the final leg of the journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and the price of trains from Cusco, with a round-trip ticket costing as much as $2,000.

Built around 1450, about 1.5 million visitors a year make the journey to the “lost city of the Incas” and World Heritage Site, which sits at an altitude of 8,200 feet in the Andes.

Overcrowding is a growing challenge with exploding visitor numbers in recent years, along with climate change placing more stress on infrastructure and the environment, triggering protests and feeding into political instability.

ANOTHER rival to Eurostar and Virgin has revealed they will be launching new trains between the UK and Europe.

Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group) are Italy‘s state-owned railway operator, and previously bid to launch trains from London to Paris.

However, they were beaten by Virgin to become the first rival to Eurostar since it launched back in the 1990s.

Despite this, new plans revealed by The Telegraph has shown that they still plan to run routes between the two European capitals.

Instead of keeping trains at the UK Temple Mills International depot used by Eurostar and soon by Virgin, they will instead build a new £87million facility just outside Paris.

This will allow them to keep 10 Channel Tunnel trains there, without facing problems of capacity in the UK.

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Just one train would need to be in the UK overnight to allow for an early morning departure from London St Pancras.

Being backed by US private equity firm Certares, the new London-Paris routes could launch from 2029.

Despite the UK train depots being at higher capacity, the Channel Tunnel currently runs under 50 per cent of capacity.

And the 2029 launch date would even beat Virgin, who aims to launch new European routes from 2030.

Virgin first announced plans to rivalling Eurostar in January 2025.

The initial direct routes will be to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, which Eurostar currently operates to and from.

However, there are future plans for trains to France, Germany and Switzerland.

Both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations would also get Virgin trains, with both having Eurostar trains until the pandemic.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson said: It’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.

“Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again.

“We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.” 

In the mean time, Eurostar recently revealed £1.7billion plans for double decker trains for the first time.

And Eurostar also has future plans for new destinations across Europe including Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

EUROSTAR passengers are braced for a second day of travel carnage after some holidaymakers claimed they were stranded on a train overnight.

Journeys between the UK and France were brought to a halt yesterday as a result of a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel, leaving passengers battling hours of travel chaos.

All trains from London to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels were cancelled.

The disruption upended New Year’s plans for thousands of passengers during ⁠one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Meanwhile, a failed Le Shuttle train in the tunnel caused further disruption to services.

Some Eurostar and LeShuttle services had resumed on Tuesday evening, but delays remained, with only one of the tunnel’s two rail lines open.

And some travellers claimed they spent more than six hours stuck onboard trains overnight as services were hit by more delays.

One man claimed he had boarded the 19:01 service to Paris, but as of 3am UK time he was still stuck on the train at the entrance to the tunnel.

He said staff had told him there was a “50 per cent chance we go to Paris, 50 per cent chance we go back to London”.

“I guess my new year plan is in the hands of the tunnel operators now,” the 27-year-old Parisian told the BBC.

Another passenger described feeling a “rollercoaster of emotions” for hours, not knowing whether the train he was on would be able to continue across the Channel or return to London.

His train eventually made it to Brussels, he said, adding: “Glad to be home, saw many families stranded.”

Passengers have been warned that there will continue to be delays and longer journey times as a result of knock-on effects today.

On Wednesday morning, an update on Eurostar’s website said: “Services have resumed today following a power issue in the Channel Tunnel yesterday and some further issues with rail infrastructure overnight.

“We plan to run all of our services today, however due to knock-on impacts there may still be some delays and possible last-minute cancellations.

“Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the train status and timetables page.”

London’s St Pancras International station was yesterday crammed with waiting passengers near the departure area.

Meanwhile, cars that had hoped to use the Channel Tunnel caused traffic jams near the LeShuttle Terminal in Folkestone.

At least a dozen Eurostar services between the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands had been cancelled by midday on Tuesday.

The rail operator apologised and said passengers could rearrange their plans free of charge or can cancel their booking and get a refund or an e-voucher.

On Tuesday, Eurostar has urged its customers “to rebook their journey for another day if possible, with free exchanges available”.

“We also advise customers not to come to our stations if their trains have been already been cancelled.”

A former coal train in Northern Spain has been transformed into a luxury travel experience, allowing passengers to explore this lesser-known part of the country from a comfortable, private compartment

There’s an undeniable romance to train travel, perhaps because it harks back to a time of black and white films and a slower pace of life. It’s no surprise that experiences like the Orient Express are on many people’s wish lists, offering a nostalgic way to see the world, coupled with luxurious accommodation.

The Orient Express is legendary but comes with a hefty price tag, with fares on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starting at around £3,800+ for cabins. For those who fancy a rail adventure without breaking the bank, there are other luxury train journeys across Europe that offer fantastic experiences for less.

One such journey can be found in Northern Spain, aboard an unlikely vehicle: a former coal train. La Robla Express once ran between the regions of León and Palencia to Vizcaya, supplying coal to the booming steel industry of the north in the late 19th century.

After the industry waned, the track was abandoned, and the magnificent old trains were left gathering dust in storage sheds. That was until the early 2000s, when Spanish train company RENFE decided to breathe new life into the line and repurpose the old engines as a travelling hotel, allowing passengers to discover the splendour of this part of Spain, reports the Express.

The company embarked on its first journey in 2009, and the train has been providing a unique experience for rail lovers ever since.

The La Robla Express currently offers two popular journeys. The first is the La Robla Route, a three-day, two-night trip either from Bilbao to Leon or vice versa. And for true train buffs, there’s the longer Pilgrim’s Route, a six-day, five-night journey that covers a larger portion of the Camino de Santiago route.

On the La Robla Route, you’ll have the chance to visit towns such as Frómista, renowned for its medieval architecture, and the Roman villa of La Olmeda. Excursions are available at various stops, allowing you time to explore each location.

The extended Pilgrim’s Route takes you through more of northern Spain, including Oviedo, known for its gothic cathedral and numerous UNESCO sites. You’ll travel through the verdant countryside of Northern Spain, with stops along the pristine coast in Ferrol and A Coruña.

Departures are scheduled from June to September in 2026, taking advantage of the mild climate in this region of Spain. The north tends to be cooler than the more tourist-heavy coastal areas of Southern Spain, and the train is equipped with air conditioning for a comfortable journey.

During the day, you can take in the views from your private compartment, complete with its own bathroom featuring a sink and toilet. You’re also free to roam the train, find a cosy spot in the lounge, or enjoy a drink with fellow travellers.

At night, each compartment transforms into a cosy bedroom of 36.8 square feet, equipped with fold-down bunk beds. The bedrooms feature storage space, reading lights, and a music system, providing a snug retreat.

Best of all, unlike some sleeper services, the train stops for the night, ensuring no sudden movements disturb your slumber. Onboard dining is available in a luxurious dining car, offering meals such as a daily buffet breakfast and dinners that highlight local ingredients and dishes. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to dine at local restaurants at various points of the journey, with guests being transported to local dining spots along the route.

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The train’s shorter itinerary, La Robla Express, starts from €2,600 (£2,267) for a double room, working out at €1,300 per person. This includes full board, excursions and entrance fees, and all organised activities.

For the longer Pilgrim’s Route, tickets start at €3,400 (£2,965) for two sharing a double room, presenting an affordable alternative to luxury trains like the Orient Express.

Discover more about La Robla and book train tickets online.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Dec. 29 (UPI) — At least 13 people were killed and 98 injured after a train came off the tracks in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, authorities said.

The train, which was en route from Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast to Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf coast, derailed on a bend near Nizanda on Sunday.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said in an update on X early Monday that the injured, five of whom were in a serious condition, were being treated at four area hospitals, adding that she had instructed the Secretary of the Navy and the deputy interior minister to travel to the site and “personally attend to the families” of victims.

In an online post, Oaxaca Gov. Salomon Jara Cruz said of the 250 passengers and crew onboard, 139 were safe and 36 were continuing to receive medical treatment.

Expressing “deep regret,” Jara Cruz said that state authorities were working with federal agencies to assist those affected and pledged his administration would do all it could to help those caught up in the accident.

Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos confirmed an investigation was underway.

The train comprising two locomotives and four passenger cars was on the Interoceanic Corridor route across the Tehuantepec Isthmus, the narrowest part of Mexico, connecting the Gulf coast with the Pacific, according to the Mexican Navy, which is responsible for Mexico’s railways.

The Interoceanic Train began operating in 2023 under former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as part of an effort modernize passenger and freight links across the isthmus.

The long-term goal is to expand ports, railways and industrial infrastructure, stimulating development in the region to eventually create a global trade route to rival the Panama Canal.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a series of train routes in Russia, Mongolia and China that connect remote parts of the world and offer holidaymakers ‘absolutely incomparable landscapes’

The Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia is the longest railway journey, traversing three countries and two continents, taking holidaymakers to some of the world’s most secluded spots. The train links Russia, Mongolia and China on a continuous journey across eight time zones.

The classic Trans-Siberian journey takes seven days, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok over a distance of 9,258km (6,152 miles).

Other routes include the six-day Trans-Manchurian trip from Moscow to Beijing, a five-day journey to Ulan-Bator, and the shortest route, the Trans-Mongolian, which runs from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia.

Ticket prices range from roughly $120 (£88) for a standard ticket to $1,000 (£740) for first class travel.

Russian Train stated: “As soon as it was built at the beginning of the 19th century, the Trans-Siberian Railway was proclaimed the finest of the diamonds on the crown of the Russian Empire and became famous to the whole world.

“Since then, it has been attracting many travellers striving to see the miracle of engineering and to experience the peculiar way of journey.

“At the same time, the Trans-Siberian regular trains are mostly used by locals for their commuting needs, so it is an excellent way to meet the real people and feel the pure soul of the country.”

The Trans-Siberian Railway presents holidaymakers with “absolutely incomparable landscapes”, making the journey a truly unique adventure.

One traveller reviewed the train trip on Tripadvisor as a “unique, unforgettable journey”, while another described it as a “fascinating experience”.

“My wife and I crossed off our list one of these ‘must-do in our lifetime’ items, which was the Trans Siberian Railway. Time flies on the train, I barely read one book in four days, the rest of the time stared out of the window; Russia by train is fascinating!”

Mexico’s Navy says the train was carrying 250 people when it derailed partially near the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca.

A train carrying 250 people has derailed partially in southern Mexico, killing at least 13 people and injuring 98, according to officials.

The Mexican Navy said that the Interoceanic Train linking the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz went off the rails on Sunday as it passed a curve near the town of Nizanda.

It said that 98 people were injured and that, “unfortunately, 13 people lost their lives”.

The train was carrying nine crew members and 241 passengers at the time of the accident. Of those on board, 139 were reported to be out of danger, while 36 of the 98 injured were still receiving medical assistance.

In a statement posted on X, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that at least five of those injured were in “serious” condition.

Sheinbaum said she has directed the secretary of the navy and other senior personnel to travel to the area and assist the families of those affected. She added that the Ministry of Interior is coordinating the response to the incident.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said it was opening an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Uno Noticias Television, a Mexican channel, reported that emergency units were near the site of the accident but faced difficulty in accessing the area.

Images circulating on social media and posted by Mexican news outlets showed one of the carriages of the train on its side, while another was completely separated from the train tracks.

Translation: Passenger train derailed. Interoceanic in the Isthmus. This Sunday, the Interoceanic passenger train derailed, 5 kilometres south of Nizanda, belonging to Asuncion Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca. Injuries have been reported; the train had departed from Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, and was heading to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. Emergency units are near the area, but the difficult access to the site is complicating rescue efforts.

Video clips posted online also showed some of the passengers trapped in the derailed carriages.

A passenger was quoted by Mexico’s La Razon newspaper as saying that before the derailment, the train “was coming very fast”.

“We don’t know if it lost its brakes,” the passenger told La Razon.

In a statement posted on X, Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara Cruz expressed his government’s “heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident”.

The train runs between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, and carries both passengers and freight.

On December 20, a train on the same route collided with a cargo truck attempting to cross the tracks, although the incident did not result in any deaths.

The line was inaugurated in 2023 as a major infrastructure project under then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to develop southeast Mexico.

The initiative was designed to modernise the rail link across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a land bridge connecting Mexico’s Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast.

The Mexican government has sought to develop the Isthmus into a strategic trade corridor, expanding ports, railways and industrial infrastructure with the goal of creating a route that could compete with the Panama Canal.

RAIL passengers can expect travel chaos as the UK’s busiest train station closes until the new year.

Commuters will have to take alternative routes as a number of services are impacted by the closure.

With less people commuting to and from work, the festive period has become a popular time for rail companies planning major engineering works.

However, closures at this time of year still cause a fair amount of bother for those that are still forced to rely on these services.

From those working through the festivities to people planning a visit to friends and family, there are still a lot of passengers hoping to take their train as normal.

However, anyone planning to travel through Liverpool Street Station between now and the new year will want to rethink their route.

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Planned works

Network Rail has revealed Liverpool Street will remain closed until Friday, January 2.

The closure will impact services like the Weaver line and Stansted Express, as well as routes operated by Greater Anglia and c2c.

Liverpool Street previously shut for eight days between Christmas and the New Year in 2024.

According to London transport expert IanVisits, the engineering works being carried out at the UK’s busiest train station will strengthen the Bishopsgate tunnel.

The station itself will see panelling replaced above the concourse over platforms 1-10.

And the drainage system at Liverpool Street will also be improved as part of the works.

Greater Anglia lines, including the Stansted Express as well as Great Eastern and West Anglia mainline services will be rerouted as a result of the closure.

From now until January 2, the routes will run from Stratford.

Meanwhile, c2c services will run from London Fenchurch Street via West Ham.

And Weaver line trains will run from London Fields to Chingford, Enfield Town, and Cheshunt.

London Underground impact

Underground services operating from Liverpool Street will also be affected by the closure.

The Elizabeth Line will have no service between Liverpool Street and Stratford from December 27 to January 1.

Meanwhile, the Central Line will still run between Liverpool Street and Stratford, but a ticket acceptance arrangement will be in place.

This means you can use your ticket on the Central Line to get between the two stations.

And other parts of the Tube network, including the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Victoria lines, will operate normally with some closures.

Tube passengers are advised to check the TfL Journey Planner for specific details. 

THE future of a historic pier and its record-holding railway remain in doubt as repairs and ownership questions drag out.

Hythe Pier in Hampshire is the UK’s seventh-longest of its kind but has been shut for more than a year, and has kept essential ferry services out of reach.

Located in Hampshire, the pier is a crucial stopping point for the Hythe Ferry, which ran regular services to Southampton before the closure.

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

Concerned residents have been searching for answers about when the pier would open and ferry services resume given that repair and electrical works seem to have concluded.

Services were suspended in August last year over health and safety concerns when damage was found underneath the landing pontoon.

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But the ferry service never resumed, and the pier was once again closed in autumn this year to carry out electrical work.

“Essential works to support the pier and ferry operations are progressing,” a spokesperson for the ferry company told the BBC.

When contacted by The Sun, the ferry’s spokesperson said algae on the pier needed to be cleared out before services could resume. However, cleaning could only occur once the weather had dried up for a period of time, so the algae was likely to be removed in spring.

This is a blow for locals who have waited months for answers about when they could expect the ferry to be up and running again.

What has made the situation more complicated is a change in ownership of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company.

Investment firm Njord Partners has taken over Red Funnel, which owned the ferry company, but it has not been made clear how this would impact services.

“We simply don’t know anything about whether the Hythe Ferry was included in the takeover, and as the tenant of the pier, it’s their responsibility to determine when it can reopen again – we’ve asked them and had no answer,” vice-chair of the parish council, Mark Clark, told the BBC.

A PR firm representing Red Funnel issued a statement on the matter saying there was work being done to find solutions for a “sustainable future.”

“We’re pleased to confirm that the owners of Hythe Pier recently completed critical electrical repairs,” read the statement to the BBC.

“This is an important step forwards but there is still work to be done.

“The ferry is a historic and much-loved service, and we are working hard behind the scenes, together with local partners, to find the right solution and secure a sustainable future”.

The pier is owned by local councillor Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan who said it was closed by the tenant – Southampton and Hythe Ferry Company – and she was considering getting the pier registered as a charity.

“Decisions about access, operation and reopening sit with the Hythe Ferry,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

“As the pier owner, I continue to engage with the tenant and have been working to resolve electrical issues affecting the pier and associated community facilities.”

Mutimear-MacMillan said her idea of switching the pier business to a charity was because “the only income to the pier is rental income, and the full annual income has already been spent on essential electrical works.”

“There are no further funds available at this time through the private limited company, which is why longer-term funding options are being considered,” she wrote.

FIVE train stations in the UK left deserted for decades have undergone major renovation projects and will soon have new routes to a major city.

The five stations include three on the Camp Hill Line and two between Wolverhampton and Walsall.

All five of the stations will welcome new West Midlands Railway services in early 2026.

On the Camp Hill Line, £120million has been spent on three stations at Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road to reopen them.

Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road train stations all closed in 1941 during the Second World War and never reopened.

Ahead of services starting early next year, construction work at each of the stations has been completed.

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Each station will have two platforms for six-carriage trains, bike parking, ticket machines, information screens and lifts.

There will also be pick up and drop off zones at Moseley Village and Pineapple Road stations.

This also means that the stations will gain services for the first time since World War II.

The services will call at each of the stations every 30 minutes, with destinations including Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton.

It is estimated that the reopened stations will cut journey times to Birmingham New Street by between nine and 31 minutes.

As for the two stations between Wolverhampton and Walsall – Darlaston and Willenhall – there will be train services for the first time since 1965 when the stations were both closed.

To begin with, there will be two services an hour between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

A direct service to Walsall town centre, known as the ‘leather capital of the world’ due to its leatherworking history, is also being discussed with the Department for Transport and Walsall Council.

In total, the two stations have cost £85million to reopen.

Walsall Council hopes that the stations will better connect local residents to the wider region, as well as create more opportunities for people to travel, whether that be for holidays or for work.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “For some communities, this is the first time in more than 80 years they’ve had their own train service.

“That changes everyday life. Getting to work, college or seeing family becomes simpler and quicker.

“It also means more people coming into town centres. More footfall for shops and cafés. More confidence for local businesses to invest and grow.

“This is what delivery looks like – backing places that have waited far too long for decent connections.”

In other train news, here’s the first look at the new Virgin Trains that will take Brits from UK to France, Belgium and Netherlands.

Plus, the low-cost train launching more routes between two popular UK cities – and tickets are £33.

BRUMMIES will soon be able to step onto the historic Flying Scotsman train from their home town.

The famous train will launch five services a day from Birmingham Moor Street Station in February half term.

Famous for showing British engineering at its best, the Flying Scotsman first launched as a train route between Edinburgh and London in 1923 and ran until 1963.

And in 2026, Brits will have the chance to travel on the first train that reached speeds of up to 100mph on the British Railway.

Running during school half term, there will be five services a day on February 18, 19 and 20.

The first service will set off in the morning at 10:30am and other services will follow at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

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Each journey will last around an hour, with passengers able to see views of the West Midlands countryside.

The train will also head over the Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire, which is a large Victorian railway bridge with 24 giant arches and views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The experience costs from £48.76 per person, but for a more luxury experience there is a First Class offering costing from £80.56 per person on a table of four or £177.02 per person, for a table for two.

First Class passengers can experience the original 1960s First Class carriage and included in the ticket price they will also get a glass of prosecco (or soft drink, if they prefer) and a snack bag.

Can’t make the February half-term dates or don’t want to be surrounded by families? Well, there are special Valentine’s Day services as well.

There are three different Valentine’s Day services in total, each of which cost from £83.74 per person.

The first service is a Valentine’s Brunch, then in the afternoon there is an Afternoon Tea service and finally in the evening, you could board the train for a three-course dinner.

Prices for this experience start from £83.74, but a First Class table for two will set you back over £280.

The Flying Scotsman is often considered the world’s most famous steam train and operated for 40 years between 1923 and 1963 before British Rail decided to focus on diesel-engine trains.

The train was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in total, measures over 21 metres long.

The name of the service came after passengers nicknamed the London to Edinburgh service the ‘Flying Scotsman’ due to its speed and limited stops.

And then the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) officially adopted the name in 1924.

Before this, it was only known by its route number ‘1472’.

Currently, the National Railway Museum is running a display on the Flying Scotsman, including an exhibition that “explores the stories of the owners, admirers, passengers and crew behind the icon”.

Also at the museum is an immersive, multi-sensory Flying Scotsman VR experience where visitors can get a taste of what it was like to travel on the train all those decades ago.

The experience also shows visitors some of the most significant moments in the train’s history.

Each year, there are a number of special events where members of the public can journey on the Flying Scotsman.

These events are often themed or on heritage lines across the UK.

Information about the different events running are posted on the National Railway Museum website.

In other rail news, a traditional English seaside town, named one of the best in the UK, is getting new direct London trains.

Plus, first look at the new Great British Railways trains being rolled out across the UK.