A new direct route between Edinburgh and Cardiff could come into service from 2029 if plans are approved.

Grand Union (Alliance Trains) has re-submitted an application using new build Hitachi trains to commence operations in December 2029. The application is currently out to industry consultation with a formal submission to the Office of Rail and Road planned for early 2026.

It is estimated that the new limited stop service would cut travel times and carry almost two million extra seats, provided by five daily services of seven carriages per day. The fully privately funded rail service would see an additional £800 million of investment into the UK rail network.

A Grand Union spokesman said: ”If approved, this application will pay the full infrastructure cost charge (ICC) for the whole route from Cardiff to Edinburgh, bringing additional annual income to Network Rail of over £10m per annum at 2026 prices. Private investment in the train fleet and maintenance, along with staff and other operational costs over the same period, if approved, this service would be investing over £800m into the UK rail system during its 10 year access period.”

The buzzing Welsh capital has average house prices of £257,800. It has a reasonable 144 schools and a strong Green Space Index of 1.04. Crime is also lower than other cities on the list with a Crime Rate Index of 39.7. Health Care Index: 67.48. Air Quality Index: 56. | Getty Images

placeholder image — The buzzing Welsh capital has average house prices of £257,800. It has a reasonable 144 schools and a strong Green Space Index of 1.04. Crime is also lower than other cities on the list with a Crime Rate Index of 39.7. Health Care Index: 67.48. Air Quality Index: 56. | Getty Images

It is estimated that the new route would see around 170 new staff employed.

Trains will start at Cardiff Central then call at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Gloucester, Birmingham New Street, Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster, York and Newcastle before continuing on to Edinburgh Waverley.

Grand Union said the stopping pattern is to reflect the ‘inter-city’ nature of the service, alleviating pressure on other services with more stops, and offering an overall significant increase in passenger carrying capacity.

The bid for a new train service would provide an alternate route for passengers travelling between the Scottish and Welsh capitals, after it was announced in September that Loganair would stop flying the route from January 2026.

There is currently only one direct rail route between the cities per day, with Cross Country operating between Edinburgh Waverley and Cardiff Central stations.