Team Cardiff Life
January 19, 2026
Cardiff Developments

Direct Trains to North Wales Trialled for World Cup Play-Offs

Transport for Wales confirms dedicated 23:00 service to Holyhead for March fixtures

Football fever is officially taking over the capital this March, and for North Wales-based fans, the journey home just got a whole lot easier. Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced a brand-new trial of a direct 23:00 service from Cardiff to Holyhead following both massive World Cup play-off fixtures at the Cardiff City Stadium. This move comes after successful collaboration with Network Rail and the FAW, ensuring that the “Red Wall” can support the national team without the stress of booking overnight accommodation. Whether we’re facing Bosnia and Herzegovina or potentially Italy, the city is ready to welcome fans with strengthened capacity and a seamless route home.

The Full Story: Historically, getting back to North Wales after a late kick-off in Cardiff has been a significant hurdle for supporters. While services to Wrexham and Chester are common, this dedicated line to Holyhead marks a major step forward in fan engagement.

The trial will run for two key dates:

  • Thursday 26 March: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Tuesday 31 March: Wales v Italy or Northern Ireland

By adjusting engineering works and extending signal box hours, TfW and Network Rail are responding directly to passenger feedback. As Georgina Wills from TfW puts it, “We want to see this trial succeed,” and the message to fans is clear: use the service to ensure it becomes a permanent fixture for future national events.

With both games expected to be complete sell-outs, the city’s atmosphere will be electric. This new direct link ensures that the passion of the Cardiff City Stadium can be felt all the way to the north coast, making the national game more accessible for everyone.

Find out more about match day travel and tickets here: https://newyddion.trc.cymru/adnoddau/atwpc-l6wwo-a5zcx-erc8i-5ovdq

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