Christmas and New Year Rail Disruptions in London and Southern England: Major Upgrades Underway

Published on December 24, 2025

The festive period will see major upgrades to the railway network across London and Southern England as Network Rail works to enhance safety and reliability. These vital engineering works will take place over the Christmas and New Year period, which is typically a quieter time for rail travel. Passengers are advised to plan ahead as there will be significant service changes and closures during this period.

Key Disruptions Across Southern England
As usual, no trains will run on Christmas Day, with only a limited service operating on Boxing Day along select Southern routes. These temporary disruptions are part of a broader strategy to undertake necessary upgrades during the least busy time of the year, allowing for minimal disruption in the long term. Passengers are urged to check their routes and services in advance to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Planned Engineering Works
Network Rail will utilize this window of reduced travel demand to undertake essential maintenance and upgrades on key infrastructure. One of the largest projects will involve replacing conductor rail at East Croydon, which is critical for powering trains across the network. Additionally, vital junctions at Gatwick and Three Bridges will undergo heavy maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.

From Saturday, December 27, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, South Bermondsey station will be closed for the reconstruction of its platforms. These platforms, originally built in 1970, are outdated and no longer meet safety standards. As a result, Southern trains will not stop at South Bermondsey during this period. Passengers are advised to use local London bus services as an alternative.

Replacement Buses and Service Reductions
For the period from Thursday, January 1, 2026, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, buses will replace Southern train services between London Bridge and Tulse Hill, including the South Bermondsey and Peckham Rye stations. During Friday, January 2 and Saturday, January 3, services to Beckenham Junction will be reduced and will only run between Tulse Hill and Beckenham Junction.

Additionally, no Thameslink trains will operate between London Blackfriars and Bellingham or between Blackfriars and Sutton via Mitcham Junction or Wimbledon from Saturday, December 27, to Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Passengers are advised that replacement buses will run between London Bridge and Bromley South via Bellingham, with rail tickets valid on local London buses, trams, and Underground services.

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, due to ongoing engineering works, buses will replace trains between Purley and East Grinstead, as well as between Oxted and Uckfield. Services on the London Victoria to Reigate route will only operate between Redhill and Reigate. Thameslink trains between London Blackfriars and Sutton/Wimbledon will also be suspended on the same day.

Impact on Travelers and How to Prepare
Passengers traveling during the festive season are strongly advised to check their routes online and plan ahead, especially with the extensive service disruptions. While many of these closures and replacements are necessary for long-term improvements, travelers can expect significant changes to their usual routes. Network Rail and train operators have emphasized the importance of passengers staying informed about the alterations and using alternative transport options when necessary.

Long-Term Benefits of the Upgrade Works
Although these closures and changes may cause short-term inconvenience, the work being carried out is essential for the long-term reliability and safety of the network. The upgrades to critical junctions and stations, including the complete rebuilding of South Bermondsey’s platforms, will improve the travel experience for passengers in the years to come. By undertaking these projects during the quieter Christmas and New Year period, Network Rail aims to minimize disruption while maximizing the benefits for future journeys.

Overview
Network Rail’s engineering works over the Christmas and New Year period are crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of the railway network in London and Southern England. With service disruptions affecting key routes, passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check for alternative transport options, such as replacement buses. While the temporary inconveniences are unfortunate, they are part of a broader effort to create a safer, more reliable railway system for the future.

(Image Credit: Network Rail)