February 12, 2026 - 194 views
Football fans in North Wales will be able to travel straight home from Cardiff late at night after World Cup play-off matches this March, thanks to a new trial rail service announced by Transport for Wales.
For the first time, a dedicated 11pm post-match train will run directly from Cardiff to Holyhead following Wales’ home play-off fixtures, allowing supporters to return the same night without needing overnight accommodation. The move is being widely welcomed by fans from across the north coast and north-east Wales, where late-night travel options after major sporting events have long been limited.
The trial will operate after two high-profile international fixtures at Cardiff City Stadium – Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday 26 March, and Wales v Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday 31 March. Both matches are expected to be sell-outs, with large numbers of supporters travelling from North Wales.
While Transport for Wales has previously provided late services to Wrexham and Chester after major events, the extension of a direct service to Holyhead marks a significant step for fans from Anglesey, Gwynedd and the Conwy coast, as well as those connecting further west.
TfW says the new service follows sustained feedback from passengers and football supporters, and has been made possible through close cooperation with Network Rail. Planned engineering work has been adjusted, signal boxes will remain open later than usual, and extra train crew and rolling stock have been allocated to support the service.
Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery and Events Planning Manager at Transport for Wales, said late kick-offs had often made it difficult for North Wales supporters to attend matches in Cardiff. She said the trial would give fans greater confidence to back the national team while still getting home safely the same night.
Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Operations Director Rachel Heath said the collaboration demonstrated how the rail network can respond when demand is highest, particularly for major national events that draw supporters from all parts of Wales.
The Football Association of Wales has also welcomed the move. Fan Engagement Executive Macsen Jones said supporters from North Wales had consistently highlighted the Cardiff-to-Holyhead route as a priority during consultations, and described the trial as a positive step towards improving the matchday experience.
Transport for Wales has encouraged fans to use the service, saying its future will depend on demand and how well the trial performs.
