National Rail has issued a 'do not travel' warning for Wednesday and Thursday across several rail services operating in and out of London, as a June heatwave brings soaring temperatures. The Met Office has reported highs of up to 38C, with red and amber weather warnings in place until Thursday 25 June. Passengers are advised to check before travelling on Tuesday and Friday, and to only travel if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.
Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast has confirmed temporary travel easements to support customers during the forecasted high temperatures. Fewer trains will run on some routes between Tuesday and Thursday, with a risk of further disruption. Tickets can be used at no extra cost on other Avanti services over the coming days.
c2c
c2c has announced cancellations and warned of more delays due to the adverse weather. The operator recommends travelling earlier in the day if possible. Cancelled services include trains from London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, Pitsea, Grays, and Shoeburyness, as well as return services from those stations.
Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways will run an amended timetable between Tuesday and Thursday, strongly advising passengers to avoid travelling if possible. Fewer than 50% of normal services will run between Birmingham and London Marylebone, Oxford and London Marylebone, and Aylesbury and London Marylebone (via Amersham). Significant delays and very busy conditions are expected.
East Midlands Railway
East Midlands Railway has introduced temporary travel easements, advising customers to travel before 12pm when temperatures are cooler. Tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday can be used at no extra cost on earlier services the same day or on Friday June 26. Passengers who no longer wish to travel can claim a full refund from their point of purchase.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR) advises customers to only travel if necessary on Wednesday and Thursday. An amended timetable will run between Newbury/Didcot Parkway and London Paddington, with services terminating at Reading or running non-stop between Reading and London Paddington. GWR trains will not call at Slough, Maidenhead, or Twyford on the main line route. Tickets can be used on Elizabeth line services or GWR services between Reading and London Paddington at no extra cost.
London Northwestern Railway
London Northwestern Railway advises essential travel only on Wednesday and Thursday, with a reduced service across the entire network on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. One train per hour will run between Birmingham New Street, Northampton, and London Euston, while two trains per hour will run between Milton Keynes Central and London Euston. Services starting and terminating at Tring will be cancelled.
LNER
LNER strongly recommends passengers not to travel across the LNER route on Wednesday and Thursday. Network Rail may introduce speed restrictions, increasing journey times and reducing services. Customers travelling on Tuesday are advised to travel before 12pm. Tickets for Wednesday or Thursday can be used free of charge on Tuesday June 30, and new seat reservations can be booked free of charge.
South Western Railway
South Western Railway advises checking before travelling on Tuesday and only travelling if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday. Fewer trains will run across the network, with busier trains and longer journey times expected. Tickets for all three days can be used free of charge on Friday June 26.
