Birmingham Christmas trains: Schedule for buses and public transport over festive season

Relying on public transport over Christmas in Birmingham (or anywhere for that matter) can, at times, throw up problems. Services, such as trains and buses, often have reduced schedules during the festive season making getting about less predictable.

Trains and buses generally cease on Christmas day but not all transport providers take the day off. For example, on December 25, you may still be able to travel using a National Express replacement coach.

If you’re visiting Birmingham around Christmas, it’s advised to not use a car due to increased traffic congestion around this time.

Instead, Birmingham Council’s website recommends using public transport. They also warn Saturdays tend to be the busiest days in terms of traffic in the city - even more so this year as Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday.

However, this presents thea question - how will the festive season affect  public transport services. Read on for everything you need to know about travelling in Birmingham over the festive season.

Birmingham Christmas trains

There will be no trains running in the UK on Christmas Day. However, some services will be replaced by National Express coaches. Limited train services will be running on Boxing Day - it’s a good idea to check Trainline’s journey planner before you travel.

Birmingham Christmas buses

It is expected that buses in Birmingham will not be running on Christmas Day. Travel for West Midlands (TfWM) have yet to release their Christmas schedule, with National Express expected to release their schedule on Monday (December 12). Previous years have seen no buses on Christmas Day and a reduced schedule on Boxing Day.

On their website, National Express have said of Christmas Eve: “A Saturday service with some alterations will run. Some frequencies will be reduced from mid afternoon.

“The last evening buses will depart earlier than usual, most last services will depart between 10pm and 11pm.”

Birmingham Christmas trams

While tram services aren’t expected to be running on Christmas Day, West Midlands Metro has said it will be running “a full and frequent service” in the days leading up to the big day, with extra trams on hand at peak times.

Ray Harris, Service Delivery Director at West Midlands Metro, said: “Trams are now running to all stops between Wolverhampton and Edgbaston Village with the entire Metro team focused on delivering a safe, secure, reliable and sustainable service in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.

“As the region’s roads get busier, the Metro offers the ideal alternative to taking the car as people begin to head for attractions such as the Christmas fair in Wolverhampton, German market in Birmingham City Centre and nearby shops, bars and restaurants. A frequent and robust service will be in operation seven days a week from 4.28am and approximately 1:30am to get customers moving in the run-up to the holidays.”