If it’s a public holiday, it must be time the railways have a partial shut-down to allow for engineering works.
Full works have announced at www.nationalrail.co.uk/easter, but for those who want a bite-sized version, here’s my take (featuring airport connections).
Heathrow Airport
The good news is that we actually a have a service this Easter period (compared to Christmas)
Heathrow Connect – https://heathrowconnect.com/train-times/advance-service-alterations
- Good Friday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
- Easter Saturday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
- Easter Sunday – Operates hourly during the day
- Easter Monday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
Heathrow Express – https://www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/service-plans#979
- Good Friday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
- Easter Saturday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
- Easter Sunday – Operates every 15 minutes during the day
- Easter Monday – Operates every 30 minutes during the day
Transport for London (Underground)
- No engineering works are booked for the Piccadilly Line between Heathrow and Central London. However there is strike action on the line today (24th March).
Gatwick Express
It seems you’re out of luck with Gatwick Express, as services are due to be suspended (on the plus side, you’ll avoid their new trains).
There will be no service from Good Friday up to and including Easter Monday as there is engineering work taking place between London Victoria and Clapham Junction. These works mean London Victoria will be closed to Gatwick Express and Southern services.
Passengers are advised to travel to London Bridge to use alternative Southern services or London Blackfriars to use Thameslink services.
Overnight trains are replaced by buses between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport.
Stansted Express
Stansted Express appears to be running as normal.
Now, onto the mess that’s the UK Rail Network itself.
Some big be aware highlights:
- The Great Eastern Mainline will be suspended between Ingatestone and Liverpool Street
- Major work in the Stafford area will impact Virgin West Coast, Cross Country and London Midland Services
- London Victoria to Clapham Junction will be closed, with Southern services diverted.
- Engineering Work in the Cardiff area, affecting Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Railway
- Works between Huntingdon and Peterborough will result in reduced trains operated by Virgin East Coast
The network enjoys rebuilding itself over public holiday “when less passengers travel on it”, but there’s nothing like forwarning yourself of the distruption ahead.
Plan accordingly.
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