AWC. CTR >EUS cancelled. What alternative train can I get?

[myusernameista]

My Avanti train from Chester to London departing at 19:32 today has been cancelled. This was a direct service.

I understand that I can travel on a choice of two trains either side of 19.32 ( I still need to travel). However, I am a bit confused...

Trains from Chester to London | Avanti West Coast

Looking to travel by train from Chester to London Euston? Here’s all the information you need about your journey.

www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk

If I want to go earlier, does that mean I have to travel on the 17.55 or 18.56 services? The reason I ask is because these services require an Arriva Trains Wales service train to Crewe. It's then Avanti from there.

However, there is a 17.32 direct Avanti train from Chester which I would prefer to travel on. However, because of the 2 trains either side rule, would I be allowed to take this? In other words, are trains that require a transfer included in the '2 trains either side' rule?

Morally I think should be able to take this train as I booked a direct service.

Appreciate any help with this. The Avanti chatbot is useless!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2025 ==

...just to add that I have an advance ticket

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

What kind of ticket do you have?
If it is a walk-on ticket (off peak or anytime) you can use TfW routes via Shrewsbury or Warrington as well as to Crewe.
Or even via Runcorn (use the Chester-Liverpool service and change to Avanti at Runcorn).

For what it's worth, the 1932 is cancelled permanently from December, looks like they have started early!

 

[myusernameista]

What kind of ticket do you have?
If it is a walk-on ticket (off peak or anytime) you can use TfW routes via Shrewsbury or Warrington as well as to Crewe.
Or even via Runcorn (use the Chester-Liverpool service and change to Avanti at Runcorn).

For what it's worth, the 1932 is cancelled permanently from December, looks like they have started early!

Hi. It's an Advance Single with the AWC logo on it

 

[voyagerdude220]

You'll definitely be ok on the 17:32. The rule as such is that you can use an Avanti Advance ticket up to two Avanti departures earlier or later than the cancelled one you're booked on. You can only use other TOCs if acceptance has been agreed (although nothing stopping the staff unofficially letting you on their train.)

 

[andrewslack]

If you're there sooner, you might enquire with Avanti staff or the guard whether you might be allowed greater flexibility given uncertainty following the derailment in the lakes. Obviously that doesn't directly affect Chester to Euston but it could have knock on effects in terms of anything to/from Euston on the west coast. Good luck!

 

[Starmill]

The 1732 is perfectly permitted for you, if that's your preference, you can just board the train and find an unreserved seat.

 

[myusernameista]

Thanks everyone

 

[Starmill]

Hopefully you are safely on your way now!