Salisbury and London: Last-Minute Train Changes for Christmas: What Travelers Need to Know About SWR’s Engineering Works

Published on December 16, 2025

South Western Railway (SWR) has issued an important warning for passengers planning to travel by train this Christmas and New Year, as major engineering works will affect several key routes. Travelers between London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, and several other stations will experience significant disruptions, with some routes completely closed during the holiday period. This article outlines the changes and provides tips for passengers to navigate these travel challenges smoothly.

SWR has announced that there will be no trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, and trains will finish earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. In addition, major alterations will take place between December 27 and 28, with no services running between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. The engineering works will affect all services via Barnes and Wimbledon, and a limited timetable will be put in place. SWR is advising passengers to check their routes and explore alternative travel options where necessary.

Details of the Christmas and New Year Disruptions

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
SWR has confirmed that Christmas Eve will see earlier last trains due to the start of essential engineering works. Travelers are encouraged to complete their journeys earlier in the day, as services will be restricted in the late evening.

On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, SWR has announced that no trains will be operating. This is standard during the holiday period to allow maintenance teams to carry out essential work on the tracks and stations.

December 27 and 28
On December 27 and 28, there will be no services between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. Passengers traveling between these key stations are advised to use alternative routes. Services will be amended on all routes passing through Barnes and Wimbledon.

For travelers coming from Wiltshire, Salisbury, Yeovil, and Exeter, SWR recommends taking trains to Westbury for connections to Great Western Railway (GWR) services to London Paddington. This is part of an effort to help passengers reach their destinations despite the closure of direct routes.

Alternative Routes for Affected Passengers

SWR has worked to provide alternative travel options for passengers facing disruption during the Christmas period. The following recommendations are provided for those traveling to and from affected stations:

1. Travel from Salisbury, Yeovil, and Exeter: Passengers are advised to travel to Westbury and transfer to GWR services heading to London Paddington.
2. London to Clapham Junction: No direct trains will run between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. Passengers are advised to check alternative routes, potentially taking a combination of services through different stations like Barnes or Wimbledon.
3. Use of Journey Planner: SWR encourages all passengers to visit their website and use the journey planner to ensure they are aware of the latest timetable changes and to plan their routes accordingly.

Business and Tourist Travel: How to Navigate the Disruptions

For Business Travelers:
The Christmas and New Year period typically sees a reduction in train services, but the major engineering works and service cuts announced by SWR will add complexity to business travel this year. Delays are expected, and passengers with urgent work commitments or meetings are encouraged to prepare for longer journey times and check alternative routes early. Businesses may need to adjust their travel schedules to account for these disruptions, especially if their employees rely on train services to reach London or Clapham Junction.

Quick Tips for Business Travelers:

• Check the SWR website regularly: As new updates about train services and routes may be posted frequently, it’s essential to monitor any last-minute changes.
• Plan for additional travel time: Allow extra time for your journey to accommodate delays caused by engineering works and timetable alterations.
• Use the journey planner: Ensure you use SWR’s journey planner tool to stay informed and find the quickest alternative routes to your destination.

For Tourists:
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for train travel in the UK, and with the engineering works in place, tourists planning to visit popular destinations such as London, Exeter, and Wiltshire should expect disruptions. Train services are likely to be busier than usual, with fewer trains running in some parts of the country. Travelers should be proactive in checking the latest timetables and should aim to travel early to avoid the busiest times.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Be flexible with travel times: Since services are expected to be busy, tourists should consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid overcrowding.
• Double-check event tickets: If you’re attending events in London, such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks, ensure that you have your tickets in advance, as limited services will be available on New Year’s Day.
• Stay informed about weather conditions: Winter weather can affect rail services, so keep an eye on any additional disruptions related to weather conditions and potential cancellations.

Steps to Take Before Traveling

SWR’s message to all passengers is clear: check your journey details before traveling. The following steps can help ensure a smooth journey through the holiday period:

1. Visit SWR’s website: Before heading out, go to the SWR website for up-to-date information on service changes and engineering works.
2. Use the Journey Planner: Make use of SWR’s online journey planner to help you find the best route to your destination and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
3. Consider alternative transport options: If your usual train route is affected, think about using buses or other train operators, such as GWR, for part of your journey.

Resumption of Normal Services and Final Recommendations

SWR’s normal timetable will return on Monday, January 5, 2026, following the completion of essential engineering works. Until then, passengers are advised to check the SWR website regularly and plan ahead, as there will be no train services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with only limited services available on New Year’s Day.

For business and tourist travelers alike, being prepared for changes in train schedules is essential to avoid frustration and ensure that your holiday travel runs smoothly. Be sure to check service updates frequently and allow extra time for your journey during the holiday period.

Key Takeaways:

• No trains on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
• December 27 and 28: No services between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.
• Alternative routes: Use Westbury for services to London Paddington.
• Plan ahead: Check SWR’s website and use the journey planner for up-to-date information.
• Limited services: Limited additional services on New Year’s Day for those attending events.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated