Major London train stations to close for Christmas, passengers advised to plan ahead

Several of London’s major railway stations will be closed, and services diverted during the Christmas period, according to Network Rail. Passengers are urged to plan ahead, with Liverpool Street set to close for eight days, Paddington for three, and major work affecting Thameslink and East Midlands services north of St Pancras for nine days.

Train routes to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports will also be impacted by the closures. Crewe station will close an extra day after Boxing Day, reducing services to Manchester and Liverpool. Despite past calls to avoid disruptions during festive periods, Network Rail stated that tens of thousands of engineers will be working to improve services when fewer people travel.

The most significant disruption will occur on the Midland Mainline from St Pancras, with no services south of Bedford or Thameslink trains to Harpenden between 21 and 29 December. Liverpool Street will close from 25 December to 2 January, with services diverted via Stratford.

Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s director of system operations, emphasized that the quieter holiday period allows for major projects with less disruption. Passengers are encouraged to check timetables online and plan ahead.