Spanning 455 miles and connecting twenty key locations across three nations, CrossCountry’s new Three Nations Connect service is here to unite the gems of South Wales, the Midlands, Yorkshire, and Scotland. This service runs between Cardiff and Edinburgh and opens up new travel possibilities, offering greater flexibility and accessibility for your journeys. By uniting the unique and diverse identities of these three nations, Three Nations Connect makes it easier than ever to explore their culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
What is the Three Nations Connect Service?
Three Nations Connect is a brand new CrossCountry route that offers weekday train travel between Cardiff and Edinburgh, with services passing through Birmingham and Leeds. This service aims to transform how passengers travel across Wales, England, and Scotland, making it possible to explore these regions without multiple connections.
On weekdays, our Three Nations Connect service offers direct travel between Cardiff Central and Edinburgh Waverley, with no changes required along the route. For the most up to date departure times and travel options, head to our journey planner to plan your trip.
Which regions and cities are connected?
The Three Nations Connect route connects two capital cities: Cardiff and Edinburgh. Along the way, this service stops at numerous exciting destinations, providing passengers with opportunities to experience and explore more of the UK.
Starting in Cardiff Central, the service heads north, stopping at major cities and towns. Passengers can explore Newport, the gateway to England from Wales, and Chepstow, before continuing through the medieval town of Gloucester and then Cheltenham Spa, known for its regency architecture and electric jazz festival.
After stopping at Worcestershire Parkway and University (Birmingham), the route travels to Birmingham New Street, the main transport hub of the second most populous city in the UK, followed by stops at Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby, and Chesterfield. In Sheffield, passengers can dig deeper into the UK’s industrial past, while Wakefield Westgate and Leeds offer fantastic shopping days out with plenty of independent boutiques and high street retailers.
Continuing northward, the train serves York, a city cloaked in historical and paranormal intrigue, before arriving at Darlington and Durham, both of which offer fascinating cultural and architectural sites. Newcastle, with its buzzing social scene, is next, followed by the scenic stops at Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Finally, the journey concludes in Edinburgh Waverley, the perfect destination for literature lovers, architecture enthusiasts, food connoisseurs, shopaholics, and casual wanderers.
Discover the UK with CrossCountry
At every stop on the Three Nations Connect service, there’s something wonderful waiting for you. Here are some of our favourite things to experience in the key cities along the route:
Discover Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has plenty to offer. Start your adventure at Cardiff Castle, a Gothic stronghold with more than two millennia of history, including Roman battles and WW2 bombardments. Enjoy the peace and greenery of Bute Park, right in the heart of the city, or discover the history of the Welsh people at St. Fagans National Museum of History – one of our favourite free things to do in Cardiff.
Visiting Cardiff with family? Don’t forget to book one of the many family-friendly restaurants the city has to offer.
Discover Birmingham
Birmingham, a historically industrial city, is now an international hub of culture, tourism, and transportation. Head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a fantastic free attraction, and experience fine art, natural history, and fascinating local legends. Next, explore the city’s incredible food scene. Visiting with a loved one? Plan the perfect date night at one of these romantic restaurants.
Birmingham is also a fantastic city to visit with kids, with delights like Cadbury World and National SEA LIFE Centre waiting to be explored.
Discover Leeds
Leeds is an energetic city and a favourite amongst the young people of the UK. With a plethora of great pubs enticing students, locals, and visitors alike and lots of child-friendly restaurants too, you won’t go hungry in Leeds.
Plus, there’s so much culture to experience. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Henry Moore Institute and history enthusiasts will be sure to discover something new at the Royal Armouries Museum. Add in a thriving music scene and ample shopping opportunities, and you’ve got a city that’s perfect for any trip.
Discover York
If history is your thing, York is the city for you. Take a walk along the city walls, or through the Shambles, one of the world’s best preserved medieval streets. Hang out with Vikings at the JORVIK Centre and experience the majesty of old steam trains at the National Railway Museum.
York also has plenty to offer for lovers of shopping, including independent clothing boutiques, charming gift shops, and record stores.
Discover Newcastle
Any visit to Newcastle should start with a walk along the Quayside for views of the iconic Tyne Bridge. For some contemporary art, visit the Baltic Centre, for some local history, head to the Discovery Museum, or simply relax at one of the city’s green spaces – like Leazes Park or Jesmond Dene.
If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to pay a visit to one of the many proper pubs in Newcastle for a mouthwatering roast dinner. Alternatively, Grainger Market offers delicacies from all over the world at affordable prices.
Discover Edinburgh
Over seven hours away by train is another stunning capital city, Edinburgh. With the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing sentinel over the city, visitors can immediately see what makes a trip here so special. Explore the twists and turns of its ancient streets and dip into bookshops, coffee shops, record stores, toy stores, and gift shops galore. Head to the bottom of the Royal Mile for a bracing hike up Arthur’s Seat and experience panoramic views of the city.
Edinburgh’s enduring arts scene and world-famous festivals, like the Edinburgh Fringe, make it a magnet for creatives all over the world. Spend the night here and check out some of the beloved live music venues that have delighted dancers for decades.
With the Three Nations Connect service, we invite you to explore more of the UK: more culture, more history, more natural beauty, and more delicious and diverse food. Whether you’re heading to Cardiff or Edinburgh, or stopping off somewhere along the way, catch a train with CrossCountry and make your journey memorable.
If you’re planning to discover more of the UK, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia