A NEW train service launching next month will connect two major UK cities for the first time.

CrossCountry has revealed a new direct service will launch between Cardiff and Edinburgh.

3

The 455 mile journey will connect the Scottish and Welsh capitals with passengers not having to make any changes.

The direct journey will travel to 22 train stations, joining at Birmingham New Street or Gloucester.

The weekday service will depart from Cardiff in the morning, before arriving in Edinburgh.

There will be one weekday service going each way from Cardiff-Edinburgh and Edinburgh-Cardiff.

The new service will start next month from December 15.

CrossCountry’s interim managing director Scott Maynard said: “We’re delighted to introduce this new service joining Cardiff and Edinburgh directly by rail for the very first time – meaning even more connections for customers across the length and breadth of the country.

“Thanks to colleagues across CrossCountry and the wider rail industry for their support in delivering these new services linking two of Great Britain’s capital cities, as well as many other key towns and cities in between.”

Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “The launch of a new direct weekday train service between Edinburgh and Cardiff for the first time is welcome news for rail users wishing to travel between these two capital cities.”

The current fastest route is around six hours, while changing in Crewe.

It is hoped that the new journey will be a similar time.

If you’re thinking of visiting either city, here is an insider guide to both of them.

Cardiff

Last year Conde Nast Traveller crowned Cardiff as the UK’s best city thanks its “exciting independent restaurants, buzzy bars, and up-and-coming neighbourhoods.”

I lived in Cardiff for just over one year and I can see why it was named it.

There is Cardiff Market, housed under a Victorian glass ceiling across two floors selling everything from local cheese and Welsh cakes.

Make sure to visit some of the amazing pubs too, including the UK’s very first Tiny Rebel pub as well as the Cambrian Tap and the City Arms.

End with a late-night takeaway on Caroline Street, known locally as Chip Alley, where you’ll find fish and chip shops and fast food galore.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

Sun Travel’s favourite train journeys in the world

Sun Travel’s journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire

Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray

Edinburgh

Wander around the historic closes – the narrow winding adjoining lanes off the main streets – of the Old Town and stop at he Grassmarket, a historic market place with independent shops and places to eat and drink.

Don’t forget the amazing National Museum of Scotland too – the rooftop terrace is the best place to catch the .

As an activity, do the Pickering’s Gin tour at Summerhall.

It is based in the old vet school which in itself is a really interesting place and you get to learn all about the process and taste some gins.

– Susan Doherty, local

3