Wrexham has been on quite the roll in recent years. Since officially becoming a city in 2022, the place has seen tourist numbers soar, thanks in part to the growing popularity of tourist sites like the UNESCO-protected Pontcysyllte aqueduct and canal, and thanks, of course, to the rise of its Hollywood-owned football club.
Thinking of planning a trip to Wrexham? Soon it might be easier than ever – the city could be getting a direct train link with London.
Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) has submitted a proposal to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to build a direct rail service between London and the Welsh city. The train would connect Wrexham to Euston four times a day, stopping by Milton Keynes, Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Nuneaton, Coleshill, Gobowen and Wellington, Shropshire. If approved, the operator hopes to start services in December 2026.
In July 2025, the ORR rejected WSMR’s previous application due to rail capacity concerns and foot crossing safety. This new submission took into account those concerns, along with stakeholder and MP feedback to suggest a path which repurposes tracks until recently used by Avanti West Coast.
A spokesperson for WSMR said: ‘By making better use of available capacity – including paths that have been released and remain unused – we aim to strengthen regional links and support economic growth.’
Wrexham County Borough Council has welcomed the plan, with deputy leader of the council and lead member for strategic transport Cllr David Bithell saying: ‘Wrexham is a thriving and growing city and new rail services not only create jobs and growth but support the need for better connectivity to the Midlands and London Euston.’
Likewise, council leader Cllr Mark Pritchard has said of the plans: ‘This is an exciting time for Wrexham as a city [...] Direct rail services to London Euston not only provide better rail services but investment opportunities for Wrexham and the wider region.’
Wrexham isn’t the only place in Britain who might be getting new train links to London. Back in May, Grand Central revealed plans to connect the capital to seaside town Cleethorpes for the first time since 1992. Meanwhile in June, Lumo announced a line connecting London to Scottish city Stirling, beginning services as early as summer 2026.
And if that’s not enough for you train-lovers out there, Time Out has a handy list of the best new routes in Europe to look forward to in 2026.
The best things to do in Wrexham, according to Time Out.
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