Bad news for anyone who relies on the UK’s busiest train service: the majority of the Elizabeth line will shut down for an entire weekend this November.
TfL says that the closure is necessary to carry out essential maintenance and engineering work. The central and eastern sections of the line have to close for rail and crossing renewals and overhead line equipment maintenance while the west side of the line is out of action as Network Rail carries out major work at Dolphin Junction (near Slough). That work will also affect all services running in and out of London Paddington – no Great Western or Heathrow Express trains will be running.
Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail, said: ‘We understand that these closures can impact customers’ journeys and would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work takes place. The work we’re carrying out is essential to maintaining the safety and reliability of the Elizabeth line for the millions of customers who rely on it every year.’
The only Elizabeth line service you’ll be able to catch that weekend will be between Reading and Maidenhead, but there will be just two trains per hour. Here’s everything you need to know about the planned closure.
Elizabeth line November 2026 closure dates
There will be no Lizzie line trains between Paddington and Abbey Wood, Paddington and Shenfield, or Paddington and Heathrow Airport and Maidenhead on the following dates:
Alternative travel options
TfL rail replacement buses will run on some parts of affected routes, including Stratford to Romford, Shenfield to Chadwell Heath and Newbury Park, Ealing Broadway to Slough, and Slough to Maidenhead.
The Heathrow Express from Paddington won’t be operating either due to a major overhaul of Dolphin Junction near Slough. Anyone trying to get to Heathrow Airport can use the Piccadilly line instead.
ICYMI: Everything you need to know about the tube strikes this winter.
Plus: Four major London train stations will face closures and disruption this Christmas.
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